By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM Mumbai, January 06, 2025: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)- India’s largest container
port, organised a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, January 06, 2025, to deliberate on green initiatives and a range of strategic constraints related to the port’s future growth and sustainability. The meeting brought together key stakeholders including terminal operators and container shipping lines, to exchange views on emerging trends and operational preparedness.During the interaction, discussions focused on the evolving landscape of alternative and cleaner fuels in the global shipping industry and the potential for green-fuel-operated vessels to increasingly call at JNPA. Stakeholders shared perspectives on infrastructure readiness and longterm planning required to support such vessels, including the feasibility of introducing various types of fuels like LNG, Methanol, Green Hydrogen, Ammonia, etc. Deliberations covered the port’s transition towards complete reliance on green energy, along with plans for extensive automation across wharf, yard, gate, and rail operations to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity. The pilot project of the shore power supply to vessels was discussed in detail, including the readiness of shipping lines to tap into shore power. In line with JNPA’s commitment to decarbonisation, stakeholders examined the conversion of conventional equipment to electric alternatives, including yard cranes and internal transport vehicles, and shared operational insights on challenges and timelines, particularly with a view to achieving full electrification of terminal transport systems by the end of 2026. Addressing the stakeholders during the meeting, Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS, Chairperson, JNPA, said, “the port is proactively aligning its development strategy with global best practices in sustainability, clean energy, and automation. He emphasised that continuous engagement with stakeholders is essential to ensure clear communication, address foreseen constraints promptly, and eliminate any potential gaps, while enabling JNPA to remain future-ready and maintain smooth, transparent, and environmentally responsible port operations.”The meeting was also attended by Ravish Kumar Singh, IRTS, Dy. Chairperson, JNPA, and JNPA HoDs. The need for additional port-based facilities such as ship repair and maintenance infrastructure was also deliberated, considering future traffic growth and operational requirements. The meeting further addressed navigational and capacity-related aspects such as dredging requirements, potential projects requiring port land, and measures to strengthen road and rail connectivity to improve hinterland access and logistics efficiency. Stakeholders also exchanged views on the longterm prospects of Vadhvan Port and its role in enhancing the region’s maritime infrastructure.