On Friday, the Mumbai Port Authority unveiled a series of significant initiatives and signed investment agreements totalling ₹4,000 crore. These moves are poised to bolster the port’s infrastructure and sustainability efforts, creating approximately 145,000 person-days of employment, as reported by port officials.
The agreements, formalised in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, mark a pivotal step towards enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. Sonowal highlighted Mumbai’s crucial role in the nation’s ambition of becoming a leading global maritime hub by 2030. He noted with pride that India has ascended to the 24th position in the global Port Logistics Index, a significant improvement from 44th place a decade ago.
Among the key agreements signed, one Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involves the Mumbai Port Authority, Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). This MoU focuses on the development of a green fuel ecosystem aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices within the port’s operations. Another notable MoU with Det Norske Veritas (DNV) will facilitate advancements in emission management, decarbonisation, digitisation, and safety in port and shipping operations. DNV, a Norway-based entity, is renowned for its expertise in quality management and sustainability.
Additionally, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club has entered an MoU to install a pontoon at Gateway of India to enhance passenger safety. Another agreement with the RPG Foundation will support the creation of gardens and heritage displays along the pavements of Ballard Estate. The minister also executed various leasing agreements, including the allocation of two plots to Mahanagar Gas Limited and two plots at Pir Pau for liquid bulk storage to Aegis Logistics Ltd. Furthermore, renewal leases were granted to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, and new land allocations were made for ONGC’s fast crew boats near the Domestic Cruise Terminal.
Sonowal inaugurated several key projects via an online platform, including the testing operations of the Third Chemical Berth at Pir Pau, the foundation stone for the Shore Protection and Reclamation Project at Jawahar Dweep, and the SCADA & PLC Automation System at the Marine Oil Terminal.
