Denmark Explores Maharashtra Cooperation in Green Shipping, Energy and Technology

Denmark is exploring opportunities to strengthen its cooperation with Maharashtra in green shipping, renewable energy, technology and investment, following a meeting between Denmark’s Minister for Business and Competitiveness, Martin Lidegaard, and Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma in Mumbai on 2 November 2026.

The meeting, held at Lok Bhavan, formed part of Lidegaard’s wider visit to India, which focuses on expanding bilateral engagement in renewable energy, green shipping and artificial intelligence.

During the discussions, Lidegaard highlighted the presence of 63 Danish companies in Maharashtra, including shipping and logistics group Maersk. He identified energy, particularly renewable energy and emerging technologies, as an important area for further cooperation between the two sides.

What areas of cooperation are Denmark and Maharashtra exploring?

The discussions covered opportunities under the India–Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, including wind and solar energy, green hydrogen, life sciences, education and artificial intelligence.

Lidegaard also highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement for Maharashtra. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma briefed the Danish delegation on India’s progress in education, skills development, digital transactions and artificial intelligence.

The delegation included Danish Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen and Deputy Permanent Secretary for International Business Tine Nielsen Hertz.

While the discussions covered several areas of potential collaboration, no specific investment commitment or project agreement was announced.

Why is green shipping part of Denmark’s India engagement?

Denmark’s Ministry of Business said the visit to Mumbai and New Delhi was intended to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, emerging technologies and green shipping, while expanding commercial opportunities between the two countries.

According to the ministry, nearly 200 Danish subsidiaries operate in India, employing approximately 100,000 people. Danish exports of goods and services to India reached DKK 21.2 billion in 2025.

The engagement reflects Denmark’s interest in connecting its expertise in green technologies with India’s investments in energy and infrastructure. Maritime cooperation forms part of this wider bilateral agenda, particularly as both countries explore opportunities in alternative fuels, sustainable shipping and port infrastructure.

What maritime cooperation agreements are already in place?

India and Denmark’s maritime cooperation is part of the Green Strategic Partnership established in 2020. In September 2024, the two countries extended their memorandum of understanding on maritime issues for another three years.

The framework covers cooperation in shipping standards, port state control, maritime education, research, shipbuilding and green maritime technologies. A joint work programme has also supported green and digital initiatives involving Indian maritime authorities and the Danish Maritime Authority.

In 2025, the countries established the Indo-Danish Centre of Excellence on Green Shipping to advance collaboration on maritime decarbonisation.

Key areas of cooperation include alternative marine fuels, sustainable shipbuilding, port electrification, digitalisation, seafarer training and environmentally sound ship recycling.

How are India and Denmark progressing on green shipping corridors?

The development of green shipping corridors has emerged as a practical area of cooperation between the two countries.

During ministerial discussions in Copenhagen in June 2025, India and Denmark agreed that the Indo-Danish Centre of Excellence on Green Shipping would support a pre-feasibility study to evaluate potential green shipping corridors in India.

The study was assigned to the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, in collaboration with Indian and Danish institutions. It aimed to assess the requirements for establishing potential green shipping routes and identify commercially and operationally promising opportunities.

The findings were presented at a consortium-building workshop in New Delhi on 28 May 2026. The assessment examined several factors, including alternative fuel availability, port and bunkering infrastructure readiness, cargo flows, vessel deployment and supporting policy frameworks.

The workshop brought together representatives from government, ports, shipping, energy, logistics and other industry stakeholders.

The ongoing assessment provides a technical foundation for identifying potential green shipping corridors between India and international markets. However, their development will require further coordination among fuel producers, port authorities, shipping companies and vessel operators.

Denmark’s latest engagement with Maharashtra therefore comes against the backdrop of an established maritime partnership, with green shipping, alternative fuels and port infrastructure offering potential areas for further bilateral cooperation.