Indian ports are increasingly deploying advanced equipment and automated systems to enhance yard efficiency, reduce emissions and support the rapid expansion of cargo and container handling capacity. Driven by rising trade volumes, the need to handle larger vessels and stricter environmental targets, port operators are investing in next-generation handling technologies that improve productivity, safety and operational reliability.
Automation and electrification are becoming central to terminal operations, enabling faster turnaround times, optimised yard utilisation and lower dependence on diesel-powered machinery. Key automated crane technologies being adopted include ship-to-shore (STS) cranes for ultra-large container vessels, rail-mounted quay cranes and rail-mounted gantry cranes for dense stacking and automated yard operations, as well as electric and automated rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGCs). Together, these technologies are reshaping Indian ports into more efficient, resilient and environmentally sustainable logistics hubs.
Upgrading operations across container terminals
Numerous measures are being taken to enhance the ability of container terminals to handle ultra-large vessels while improving safety, productivity and environmental performance.
DP World has significantly upgraded operations at the Mundra international container terminal (MICT) in Gujarat with the arrival of a new state-of-the-art quay crane and three electric RTGCs (e-RTCGs). The new quay crane is capable of handling ultra-large container vessels with up to 22 container rows across the beam, enabling the terminal to serve some of the world’s largest ships more efficiently and reliably. It features advanced technologies such as predictive maintenance planning, expanded CCTV coverage for better operator awareness, and energy-efficient drives that enhance safety, precision and productivity on the quay. With this addition, MICT now operates eight quay cranes, which is expected to support faster vessel turnaround times and raise container handling capacity to 1.56 million twenty-foot equivalent units by 2027. The three new e-RTGCs expand the terminal’s yard fleet to 31 units, helping reduce emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by nearly 19 per cent and lowering noise levels. In parallel, DP World is advancing wider electrification at the terminal by deploying electric light vehicles, forklifts and electric internal transfer vehicles, achieving zero waste to landfill certification, and sourcing renewable energy, all contributing to global decarbonisation goals towards net zero emissions.
Earlier deliveries of e-RTGCs to terminals such as PSA Mumbai’s Phase II expansion and DP World Cochin indicate a broader shift towards electrified yard handling across Indian container ports.
Meanwhile, equipment manufacturer Konecranes has secured a contract to supply hybrid yard cranes to an Indian container terminal operator. The agreement, announced in November 2025, covers the delivery of energy-efficient hybrid RTGCs designed to enhance yard operations by combining electric and diesel power, thereby reducing fuel use and emissions while maintaining flexibility and performance.
Further, Sany Marine has despatched 10 RTGCs with a 41 tonne capacity, highlighting integrated yard and quay handling solutions. The manufacturer operates a large assembly base capable of producing STS and RTGCs simultaneously, demonstrating supply readiness for global and Indian port infrastructure needs.
The deployment of such advanced automated cranes aligns with India’s push towards smarter, higher-throughput ports, potentially improving container handling and turnaround times at its terminals.
Security and surveillance to safeguard maritime infrastructure
Radio remote control grabs (RRCGs) are transforming bulk cargo handling at major Indian ports by improving efficiency, safety and throughput. These wireless grabs operate without external power cables, using built-in batteries that can last several days, allowing 24/7 continuous operation. They are widely deployed at ports such as Mundra, Paradip, Deendayal and Haldia, handling materials like coal, iron ore, limestone, bauxite, fertilisers, salt and pet coke. RRCGs enhance productivity by enabling higher handling volumes and faster unloading, which helps reduce vessel turnaround times. The adoption of RRCGs has coincided with significant growth in bulk cargo handled by Indian ports, contributing to smoother and more adaptable port operations.
Indian ports are moving towards anti-drone and surveillance systems to protect critical cargo infrastructure. For instance, Deendayal Port is installing advanced anti-drone surveillance and neutralisation systems to detect and counter hostile drones over a wide area, helping protect fuel tanks, containers and personnel from unauthorised aerial activity.
Future outlook
India’s port equipment industry will continue to experience rapid evolution driven by cargo growth, mechanisation, automation and localisation efforts. As per industry reports, the cargo handling equipment market in India is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.63 per cent, from $1.03 billion in 2024 to $1.55 billion by 2033.
This growth will be supported by capacity expansion at major and non-major ports, rising containerisation and greater adoption of advanced equipment. Further, the push for Make in India will encourage domestic manufacturing of port equipment, reducing import dependence while improving cost efficiency.
Sidra Siddiquie
