MUMBAI:
Ambuja Cement has successfully completed sea trials of using soya extract-based biofuel in two of its cement carriers – Ambuja Mukund and Ambuja Vaibhav.
This makes Ambuja Cement not just the first Indian company to move towards the decarbonisation of the country’s coastal shipping lines but also advancing its focus on two of its strategic priorities – innovation and sustainability. This initiative also supports Government of India’s mission of decarbonisation and reduction of CO2 emissions for the country.
The sea trials were conducted with the approval of India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). DGS has approved biofuel trials on the remaining fleet of Ambuja Cements that are mostly deployed on Indian coastal routes.
Switching to bio-diesel will reduce CO2 emissions from shipping lines by 25%, which in turn will strengthen India’s ability to deliver on its commitment made under the Paris Accord. Further, with the successful trials Ambuja Cements has also helped India deliver on her promise to decarbonise the global shipping industry. A commitment made under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project. India is among a small group of 11 nations that are part of this environmentally significant global project.
Speaking on this development, Neeraj Akhoury, CEO India, LafargeHolcim and Managing Director & CEO, Ambuja Cements Ltd: “This is a landmark achievement not only for Ambuja Cement but also for India’s shipping sector. As we become the first company to introduce green fuel on captive ships, it underscores our vision to become the most sustainable cement company in India. Our efforts in introducing green fuel in our ships will significantly contribute towards the reduction of GHG emissions that will help achieve our parent, LafargeHolcim’s sustainability vision of ‘net zero pledge 2030.”
Ambuja Cement has aligned to LafargeHolcim’s ‘Net Zero’ plan and sustainability strategy. Its “Sustainable Development Plan 2030” has a sharp focus on climate and energy, building a circular economy, conserving resources and nature, and driving meaningful change in the lives of communities. This initiative is a part of Ambuja Cement’s continuous effort to become the ‘Most Innovative, Sustainable and Competitive Building Solutions Company in India’.
