The maritime sector plays a crucial role in nation building and economic development. Indian ports have embarked on adopting numerous modernisation and mechanisation initiatives in order to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround time and remain at par with international ports. At the same time, the government is promoting sustainable measures such as renewable energy and eco-friendly vehicles to mitigate environmental impact. The government’s flagship project, the Sagarmala Pariyojana, also focuses on the modernisation of existing ports and terminals.
Key modernisation initiatives
Over the past few years, several state-of-the-art technologies and mechanised systems have been adopted to accelerate growth and improve overall port performance in India. Several industry initiatives towards modernisation and digitalisation are helping reduce dwell time and transaction costs.
PCS and NLP marine
Port Community Systems (PCS) has been implemented to streamline port operations and provide single-window clearance for various services. The Indian Ports Association, under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), launched the Port Community System (PCS1x), a cloud-based new-generation technology with a user-friendly interface, in 2018. All major ports have fully implemented PCS1x, while private ports including Mundra, Pipavav, Hazira, Kattupalli and Dahej have also started adopting it.
Meanwhile, in January 2023, the MoPSW inaugurated the National Logistics Portal (NLP) (marine). This is a one-stop platform aimed at connecting all stakeholders of the logistics community using information technology to improve efficiency and transparency by reducing costs and time delays and enabling easier, faster and more competitive offering of services, and to promote the growth of the logistics sector and thereby improve trade.
DP World’s CARGOES PCS platform provides end-to-end visibility and control throughout the customs process. It connects customers to the terminal operating system seamlessly by enhancing transparency and communication regarding cargo status and progress. It provides end-to-end visibility and control throughout the customs process.
Gate automation – OCR
Gate automation – optical character recognition (OCR) technology is being used to process transactions automatically and detect container damage using cameras. This technology removes the need for manpower in gate lanes, and provides error-free data. These systems can be configured to identify various types of breaches. This enables auto-intervention through public address systems and analysis of breaches to manage and introduce further improvements in safety and security on the ground. This technology is being used at the Nhava Sheva (India) Gateway Terminal (NSIGT) in Mumbai.
TOS
DP World has implemented a state-of-the-art terminal operating system (TOS) that was developed in-house, known as ZODIAC. It manages rail and inland container depots; provides full fleet management; offers control of the container freight station; and provides real-time container location tracking, clearance and delivery with billing systems; all supported by internet of things (IoT). This system has been implemented across all of DP World’s terminals, including the Mundra International Container Terminal (MICT), NSIGT, the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) and Visakha Container Terminal India.
Vehicle monitoring terminals
Vehicle monitoring terminals are installed in trucks to provide real-time navigation guidance. They enhance the efficiency of drivers in managing yard locations and cargo transportation, enabling precise and well-coordinated logistics operations. They are being used at Kolkata port, Deendayal port, etc.
Push-to-talk systems are also being integrated into vehicle monitoring terminals for seamless voice communication. They facilitate effective coordination between drivers and the operations centre, and enable swift response to live operation changes. They improve overall terminal responsiveness. Meanwhile, the global positioning system (GPS) helps in monitoring vehicles and improving fleet management by tracking the positions of trucks in real time.
Remote reefer monitoring and remote cranes
A remote reefer monitoring system eliminates the need for manual visits to reefer platforms and reduces operational costs. It enhances reliability and improves effectiveness in the handling of temperature-sensitive cargo. DP World has started operating cranes remotely from control towers. The remote crane operating station provides improved safety through a clear view of blind sections using high quality cameras. The operator remains in a safe working zone and uses an automatic/semi-automatic mode of operation to move cargo.
Other modernisation technologies
Other key modernisation initiatives being undertaken by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) include developing a digital-first culture, building a strong data foundation and a cloud-based platform, adopting a facial recognition system and partnering with technology providers such as NAVIS and Microsoft. The upgradation of its terminal operating system to NAVIS is expected to be completed by the first quarter of financial year 2025.
Similarly, DP World is using technologies such as predictive maintenance techniques. They help in assessing asset health conditions by measuring the percentage of components operating without defects on the asset health matrix. This helps in identifying the components that are failing, ensuring operational efficiency.
Radio frequency identification access control systems for entry and exit at ports, CCTV surveillance, container scanners, IoT, SCADA-based systems, etc., are some other digital solutions being adopted by port operators. New solutions and technologies such as drones, big data and digital twins are also being explored.
Mechanisation of ports
Capacity expansion and infrastructure construction at ports are ongoing processes. They entail building new berths and terminals, mechanising already existing berths and terminals, developing road and rail connectivity, capital dredging for deepening draughts to draw huge vessels to port channels, etc. Through mechanisation, the efficiency of port operations has improved significantly, as it helps in quickening the turnaround of ships arriving at the port as well as cargo despatch rates by rail and road.
Hazira port boasts a mechanised system with an integrated conveyor system that allows it to handle huge volumes of coal cargo. The port also has berths and specialised facilities to ensure clean and contamination-free handling of cargo. It handles cargo in bulk and bagged form using specialised equipment, which ensures efficient operations and eliminates cargo spillage.
Besides, a mechanised conveyor system is being used to handle fertilisers at Mundra port in order to quicken vessel turnaround time. The port also has a mechanised semi-automatic bagging plant for fertilisers, which can bag and load about 25,000 metric tonnes of bulk fertilisers per day, despatching it upcountry for distribution. Karaikal port also has dedicated berths with a mechanised coal handling system for bulk coal cargo.
Green port initiatives and plans
Several measures are being taken to emphasise the use of clean/green energy in port operations; development of port capabilities for storage; handling and bunkering of greener fuels such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol/ethanol, etc. Many industry leaders are undertaking initiatives to these ends.
DP World is implementing an energy and environment strategy to become carbon neutral as a group by 2040, with an intermediate target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 28 per cent by 2030. This includes undertaking measures such as electrifying equipment; improving efficiency; adopting digitalisation, renewable energy and low-carbon fuels; and providing carbon compensation. The company has initiated open access sourcing of green power at NSIGT and NSICT, which will help replace about 75 per cent of conventional electricity needs with green power, leading to about 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions at the facilities. The company is looking forward to meeting 60 per cent of power requirements at its terminals through green sources by 2026. It is also transitioning its fleet of light motor vehicles (LMVs) to electric LMVs (eLMVs), having converted 12 LMVs into eLMVs so far. Moreover, it has installed a 2.7 MW solar power plant in Mumbai, an 850 kWp plant in Cochin, and more at other terminals. It is also electrifying its crane fleet and has already converted 24 rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGCs) from diesel to electric. It has also added eight new e-forklifts and six new e-RTGCs at MICT, and four new e-RTGCs at the International Container Transshipment Terminal, Cochin.
APSEZ’s flagship port, Mundra serves the vast northern hinterland with seamless multimodal connectivity. The port has been at the forefront of sustainability measures. It has undertaken mangrove afforestation and conservation, encompassing terrestrial afforestation across approximately 2,800 hectares and planting more than 41,000 plants of 115 varieties at Smriti Van. Moreover, about 117 home biogas plants have been installed in more than five villages. Going forward, APSEZ aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 and net zero emissions by 2040. The company is looking forward to procuring 400 electric trucks in the coming years. The future plans of APSEZ include cargo diversification, building strategic partnerships with stakeholders, building east coast and west coast parity, and logistics integration.
Based on presentations by Praveen Joseph, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ports and Terminals, Cochin, DP World; and Sujalkumar Shah, CEO, Mundra and Tuna Ports of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) at a recent India Infrastructure conference
