Mumbai, Sept. 30 -- The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop shore power supply infrastructure across its terminals, with IFC investing $70 mn. The organisations described the arrangement as India's first blue financing framework for the maritime sector.

The project will enable ships berthed at JNPA to switch off their diesel engines and connect to land-based electricity. According to JNPA, the initiative is expected to cut carbon emissions by 63 per cent, reduce harmful air pollution by up to 90 per cent and create more than 400 jobs.

Shore power technology has not yet been deployed commercially at scale at any major Indian port. JNPA said long-term financing from IFC would support adoption, help the port manage early-stage commercial risks, build operational experience and introduce international best practices before wider deployment.

JNPA said a successful operational and commercial demonstration at India's largest container port could provide proof of concept for adoption at other Indian ports and in emerging markets. The port authority described the project as the first labelled blue financing for port infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region to be aligned with blue finance guidelines under the Indian Ports Act, 2025.

The initiative is also aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, which identify shore power as a key intervention for decarbonising port operations. IFC has supported the development of JNPA's Sustainable Finance Framework, intended to mobilise additional green and blue funding for future investments.

JNPA operates five container terminals, along with facilities for general cargo, liquid cargo and coastal shipping, and a 277-hectare multi-product special economic zone. It is also developing the Rs. 762.2 bn Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra, an all-weather deep-draft greenfield facility that is planned to become India's 13th major port.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.