On Friday, the Mumbai Port launched several major projects and formalized investment proposals totaling Rs 4,000 crore, focusing on sustainability and the promotion of green fuel. These new proposals, combined with a variety of other green initiatives, are projected to create 1.45 lakh person-days of employment, as highlighted by the port operator in an official statement.
The significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in the esteemed presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who visited the port to oversee these developments. One noteworthy MoU was executed between the Mumbai Port Authority, the Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation (MPSF), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), aimed at establishing a comprehensive green fuel ecosystem.
Another crucial agreement was inked between Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and the MPSF, focusing on collaborative efforts in emission management, decarbonization, digitization, and enhancing safety protocols in port and maritime operations. DNV, a renowned Norway-based entity, specializes in providing services related to quality management, risk assessment, and sustainability, making it a pivotal partner in these initiatives.
During his visit, Minister Sonowal also virtually inaugurated several significant projects, marking an essential milestone for the Mumbai Port. Among these was the commencement of testing operations for the newly-constructed third chemical berth at the Pir Pau jetty, further enhancing the port’s chemical handling capabilities.
Additionally, the Minister inaugurated an advanced automation system and programmable logic controller (PLC) at the Marine Oil Terminal and at the MPSF, showcasing the port’s commitment to leveraging technology for operational efficiency and safety. Moreover, Sonowal laid the foundation stone for the shore protection and reclamation project at Jawahar Dweep, signaling the start of a crucial infrastructure development initiative.
In a further boost to the port’s operations, the Mumbai Port Authority also completed the handover of land transfer documents for various leasing agreements. These included leasing two plots to Mahanagar Gas Nigam Ltd, and two additional plots at Pir Pau to Aegis Logistics for liquid bulk storage. The renewal of leases for key entities like Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders was also finalized during this visit.
The various initiatives and agreements announced on Friday collectively represent a total investment of Rs 4,000 crore. This substantial financial commitment is expected to bring significant benefits to the city, not only by fostering economic growth but also by generating approximately 1.45 lakh person-days of employment, thus contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the region.
