By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Mumbai, May 29: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port and one of the country’s most significant maritime gateways, celebrated its 37th Foundation Day with grandeur and enthusiasm in the distinguished presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, senior government officials, maritime stakeholders, trade partners and employees. The occasion highlighted JNPA’s remarkable contribution towards strengthening India’s maritime economy and logistics ecosystem over the last three decades.

The celebration reflected JNPA’s continuing journey of transformation, innovation and operational excellence as the port achieved several historic milestones during the financial year 2025-26. JNPA recorded its highest-ever container throughput of 8.17 million TEUs, registering a robust growth of 11.94 percent over the previous year. The port also achieved its highest-ever overall cargo throughput of 102 million metric tonnes, reinforcing its status as India’s premier container handling port and a major contributor to the nation’s trade and economic growth.

A key highlight of the Foundation Day celebration was the screening of JNPA’s corporate film, which showcased the port’s inspiring journey, modern infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, technological advancements and future development vision. The programme also included a prestigious award ceremony where outstanding stakeholders, terminal operators, logistics partners and trade associates were felicitated for their exceptional contribution towards JNPA’s record-breaking achievements.

Among the major recognitions, Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Pvt. Ltd. (BMCT) was honoured for handling the highest container volume of 2.69 million TEUs during 2025-26, while APM Terminals Mumbai received recognition for achieving the best vessel berth productivity. DP World’s NSIGT terminal was awarded for the best vessel crane productivity, and Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal was recognised for recording the highest growth in container handling volumes.

On the occasion, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated NIVIDA, India’s first Artificial Intelligence-driven tender evaluation engine developed jointly by JNPA and AI Transmute Solutions. The initiative marks a major step towards digital transformation and transparent governance in the maritime sector. The Minister also inaugurated the Indigenous Vessel Traffic Services (iVTS) system aimed at strengthening maritime safety and enhancing indigenous technological capabilities through advanced vessel monitoring and management systems.

Addressing the gathering, Sonowal congratulated the entire JNPA fraternity for its dedication, professionalism and contribution to India’s growth story. He emphasised that JNPA’s focus on continuous improvement, technological innovation and sustainability aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global maritime powerhouse.

The Foundation Day celebrations also witnessed the signing and exchange of several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at promoting sustainability, infrastructure development and technological innovation. JNPA signed agreements with CSIR-NEERI for environmental planning and ESG initiatives, CESL for EV charging and battery swapping infrastructure, EESL for energy efficiency and solar projects, IIT Madras for indigenous maritime technologies, and REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited for shore power supply system expansion. Another important MoU with Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House focused on environmentally compliant disposal of perishable cargo through scientific waste management processes.

JNPA Chairperson Gaurav Dayal stated that the port’s remarkable progress has been made possible through the collective efforts of stakeholders, trade partners, employees and the wider maritime community. He expressed confidence that JNPA would continue setting new benchmarks in operational efficiency, sustainability, innovation and customer-centric services in the years ahead.

The celebrations concluded with the felicitation of JNPA employees and stakeholders, followed by a vote of thanks presented by Deputy Chairperson Ravish Kumar Singh, acknowledging the continued support and partnership of all associated with JNPA’s remarkable growth journey.