Mormugao port in World Bank’s green spotlight

Panaji: Mormugao Port has been chosen by the World Bank (WB) as one of three Indian ports to undergo a study aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable operations. The study, conducted in partnership with Royal Haskoning DHV, will assess the port's current operations and recommend sustainable practices. The other two ports selected in India are Paradip Port and Mumbai Port.

A team from the WB and Royal Haskoning DHV visited the port on Thursday for an initial meeting and to discuss the methodology of the analytical study.

The WB team met with MPA chairperson N Vinodkumar, the deputy chairperson, and heads of departments. “Mormugao Port was chosen as one of three ports in India for this significant study, highlighting its potential to serve as a model for sustainable practices that other ports can emulate across the nation. This study will assess the current operations at Mormugao Port and offer recommendations for integrating environmentally friendly technologies and processes,” said M Sankar Babu, secretary of Mormugao Ports Authority (MPA). Babu added that the partnership exemplifies a “proactive commitment to enhancing sustainability” in India’s port operations.

WB's broader goal is to make shipping and ports more sustainable through digitalisation, efficiency improvements, and renewable energy adoption. Some of these initiatives are a container port efficiency index, reduction of paperwork and administrative red tape through digitisation, pursuit of renewable energy, and creation of green cover around ports to reduce noise and capture carbon emissions.

MPA has also implemented various measures to reduce its carbon footprint and diversify its cargo.

“This initiative is designed not only to improve environmental outcomes but also to establish a benchmark for other ports in India, thereby contributing to a more sustainable maritime industry,” said Babu.