Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is set to invest Rs.1 billion in establishing India's first shore power system for ships. This groundbreaking initiative aims to significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality in the port area.

According to Sanjay Sethi, Chairman of JNPA, the shore power system will allow ships to plug into the port's electrical grid while docked, rather than running their diesel engines to generate power. This shift to shore power, also known as cold ironing, will drastically cut down the pollution caused by vessels at berth.

The project will be developed in phases, with the initial phase focusing on providing shore power to smaller vessels and subsequently expanding to accommodate larger ships. The installation will include the necessary electrical infrastructure and retrofitting of existing berths to support the new system.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways' vision of promoting green and sustainable practices across Indian ports. By reducing the reliance on diesel generators, JNPA aims to lower carbon emissions and contribute to the country's climate change mitigation efforts.

The shore power system is expected to offer multiple benefits, including reduced fuel consumption for ships, lower operating costs, and enhanced air quality in the port vicinity. Additionally, it will set a benchmark for other Indian ports to adopt similar green practices.

JNPA's commitment to sustainability and innovation reflects its dedication to maintaining high environmental standards and supporting India's transition to a greener economy. The project is expected to be operational within the next two years, positioning JNPA as a pioneer in green port initiatives in India.