Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals (BMCT), operated by Singapore?s PSA International at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, announced its status as India?s inaugural container terminal fully powered by renewable energy. This achievement is attributed to a 7.8 MW solar farm collaboration with O2 Power.

As the largest of the five container terminals at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, BMCT processed 2 million twenty-foot equivalent units in 2023, marking its highest volume since commencing operations in February 2018.

BMCT, also known as PSA Mumbai, sees this development as a significant milestone in its emissions reduction efforts. The 7.8 MW solar farm, set to expand to 10 MW by June 2024, will contribute over 75 per cent of the terminal's electricity needs. The remaining renewable power will be sourced from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) and other providers.

The expanded solar capacity is projected to annually reduce CO2 equivalent emissions by 16,000 tonnes, amounting to over 350,000 tonnes over the terminal's lifespan.

O2 Power, supported by EQT Infrastructure and Temasek Holdings, developed and manages the solar farm in Beed, Maharashtra, with plans for expansion in Motala, Maharashtra. The plants are integrated into PSA Mumbai through existing MSEDCL infrastructure.

PSA Mumbai aims for a 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. This includes large-scale electrification of equipment, such as an all-electric Rubber-tyred Gantry Crane fleet for BMCT's Phase 2 development. Electrification of existing equipment in Phase 1 is underway and scheduled for completion by 2027.

In early 2024, PSA Mumbai plans to introduce e-trucks through PSA BDP India, creating a zero-emission green transport corridor in Nhava Sheva connecting terminals, container freight stations (CFS), and customer facilities.

This initiative aligns with PSA International's broader efforts in green transportation, underscored by the acquisition of US-based logistics company BDP International in April 2022. PSA BDP, in collaboration with Dow Chemical International, is working on a sustainable transport solution in India.

Combining renewable power from PSA Mumbai with expertise from PSA Ameya (its Indian container freight station unit) and PSA BDP India, the company aims to provide a unique marketplace solution, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable transportation initiatives. Andy Lane, CEO of PSA Mumbai, emphasised the alignment of these efforts with the J N Port Authority?s goal of achieving 60 per cent renewable power usage under Maritime India Vision 2030.