Pratik Bijlani –
The India Ports Conference 2024, which took place on June 6th and 7th at The Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai, brought together some of the most significant personalities in the marine business. The second-annual event focuses on modernising Indian ports, with a particular emphasis on efficiency, digitalization, and environmental sustainability. Experts offered cutting-edge technology solutions and best practices for eco-friendly operations via a series of panel discussions and presentations.
The conference began with a welcome presentation by Mr Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India, and Mr Sabyasachi Hajara, INMEX SMM India Advisory Board Chair and Former CMD, The Shipping Corporation of India Limited. Mr Mudras greeted over 200 attendees and more than 50 speakers, thanking the Indian Ports Association for their assistance. He expected thoughtful conversations that would propel the port industry forward.
Mr Hajara reiterated these thoughts, greeting the gathered industry professionals and friends. He emphasised the interconnection of shipping, ports, and shipbuilding, with ports playing an important role as growth centres. He emphasised environmental responsibility, saying, “It is a very, very welcome thing that ports all over the world, and very much including India, are taking all the efforts in greening themselves, in trying to reach a Net Zero Emission in times to come.” He applauded Indian ports’ recent progress, citing improvements in turnaround time and cargo handling, but admitted that there is still a long way to go before they can compete with leading global ports in terms of tonnage.
Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, gave the keynote presentation. He discussed the current state of Indian ports, emphasising the upward trend despite the lag when compared to the world’s best. He emphasised India’s tremendous economic growth, saying, “We could perhaps be the largest growing economy, the youngest and most vibrant in terms of democracy.” However, he noted that India is ranked 112th in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, trailing countries such as Bhutan and Bangladesh. He discussed the Sagar Mala programme and its objectives to improve port sustainability, with a focus on renewable energy sources such as hydrogen and methanol.
Mr Rajiv Jalota, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Chairman, Indian Ports Association, delivered a special address that emphasised India’s port modernization goals. He emphasised the importance of digital technologies and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in this shift. He praised the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for its achievements and expressed hope about new ideas and trends to be presented during the conference.
The first panel discussion, “Charting the Course for Indian Port Modernization – Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies,” was led by Mr Dhruv Gadh, Partner at PwC India. Speakers were Mr Bhushan Kumar, Joint Secretary of Sagarmala, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Mr Rajiv Agarwal, MD of Essar Ports Ltd., and Lt Cdr Ravindranath Reddy, Deputy CEO of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. The conversation focused on port modernization, infrastructure development, and strategies for exporting $1 trillion by 2030.
Mr Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai, then gave a presentation on the success of the Port of Antwerp. He emphasised efficient operations, technological infrastructure, and robust logistics systems, demonstrating that even an inland port can accommodate the world’s largest vessels.
Mr Senthil Kumar Subramanian, CEO of VOC Port Authority’s Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal in Tuticorin, explained how digitalization and automation can improve port operations. He demonstrated how modern digital systems such as the Terminal Operating System and Booking Control System have improved the port’s efficiency, cut dwell time, and raised trade volumes.
Mr Nandeesh Shukla, IRTS, Deputy Chairperson of Deendayal Port Authority (DP World), spoke about collaborative ways to developing world-class ports via PPPs and stakeholder involvement. He identified successful examples as well as potential future difficulties and possibilities.
Mr. Ashish Dhawan, Senior Consultant-Infra at ESRI India, discussed the use of geospatial technologies in port digitalization. He described how ESRI India’s GIS software and mapping solutions have improved traffic and large vessel movements in ports such as Rotterdam.
Capt. Hemant Gupta Deputy Director, Drewry moderated the panel on “Green Ports and Decarbonisation – Navigating the Path to Sustainable Maritime Industry”. Speakers covered existing emissions as well as carbon-reduction, renewable energy, and waste management strategies. The practicality of green ports and the use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and methanol were important discussions.
Mr James Goh, Regional Product Manager – Shore Power at Cavotec, discussed Shore Power and its potential to reduce port pollution. He presented case studies that showed considerable reductions in CO2, SO2, and NOx levels when using Shore Power.
Mr Anthony Sung, Associate Director at Cementaid International Group of Companies, discussed effective HPI corrosion-proof methods for marine constructions to maintain and extend their life. He discussed the reasons of structural corrosion and how Hydrophobic Poreblocking Ingredient (HPI) technology can help prevent it.
The conference wrapped up with discussions about alternative fuels, energy efficiency, port technology and innovation, digitalization, cybersecurity, 5G networks, automation, and vessel traffic management. The India Ports Conference 2024 provided an important platform for industry executives, governments, and stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies and technology for building a resilient and sustainable port environment.
Marex Media