JNPA to Power Ships with ₹100 Crore Shore Facility

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is set to invest ₹100 crore in India's first shore-electric-power-supply pilot project, aiming to reduce diesel use by ships docked at its port. This groundbreaking initiative will provide shore electric power to ships at the third container terminal of Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra. Operated by Gateway Terminals India, the project is a joint venture between APM Terminals and the Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR).

Scheduled for execution with an MoU signing on July 11, the pilot project will supply electricity directly from the national grid to ships, replacing diesel engines traditionally used for essential services. JNPA Chairperson Unmesh Wagh highlighted that the facility will power two ships simultaneously, significantly reducing diesel usage and pollution at the port.

Wagh stated that tenders for the project would be awarded within the next three months. If successful, JNPA plans to expand the facility across all terminals, requiring 74 MW and approximately ₹600 crore. This expansion could make a substantial environmental impact, given the port's high traffic of over 15,200 ships between April and November 2023.

In addition to shore power, JNPA is committed to eliminating diesel vehicles within the port premises. By August 15, two battery-operated trucks will be operational, with plans to convert all 400 diesel trucks to electric within the next year, further reducing emissions and supporting a greener port environment.

This ambitious project aligns with JNPA's broader sustainability goals, promising a significant shift in port operations towards cleaner, more efficient energy usage.

News by Rahul Yelligetti