The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has announced that the World Bank has shown strong interest in funding its Rs 500 crore shore-electric-power-supply initiative aimed at decarbonising port operations. The project will allow container vessels at the port near Mumbai to switch off diesel engines and connect to an onshore electric power grid while docked, significantly reducing emissions.

JNPA has developed a comprehensive plan to implement shore power across all five terminals. “We have already appointed ITCOT Ltd, a deemed government company, as the consultant,” said Unmesh Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA. The consultancy will oversee tender design for the first phase of the project at Gateway Terminals India (GTI), a joint venture between APM Terminals and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).

The first tender, worth nearly Rs 100 crore, will be floated by 15 July, with the work order expected by August 15. This will make one berth shore-power compliant within a year. Additional work at the remaining terminals is projected to cost Rs 400 crore. The port authority is currently awaiting final clearance from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to move forward with the full-scale implementation.