Maritime News, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port, has achieved its highest-ever container throughput of 8.17 million TEUs during FY 2025-26, registering a robust 11.94 percent growth, while overall cargo handling crossed a record 102 million metric tonnes (MMT).
The milestone was announced during JNPA’s 37th Foundation Day celebrations in Mumbai, attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who also inaugurated two major technology initiatives aimed at accelerating digital transformation and indigenous innovation in India’s maritime sector.
AI-Powered NIVIDA and Indigenous iVTS System Launched
Marking a significant step towards smart port operations, JNPA launched NIVIDA, described as India’s first AI-driven tender evaluation engine.
Developed jointly by JNPA and AI Transmute Solutions, the platform is expected to improve efficiency, transparency and speed in procurement and tender processing across port operations.
The Minister also inaugurated the Indigenous Vessel Traffic Services (iVTS) system, which has been developed to strengthen India’s maritime technology capabilities through indigenous installation, management and training frameworks.
The launch aligns with the Government’s broader push towards digitalisation and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
JNPA Strengthens Position as India’s Leading Container Gateway
The record performance highlights JNPA’s growing importance within India’s trade ecosystem.
Handling 8.17 million TEUs and 102 MMT of cargo in a single financial year places JNPA among the leading container ports in the region and reinforces its role as a critical gateway for India’s import-export trade.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said JNPA’s continued focus on innovation, technology and operational excellence reflects the transformation underway across India’s maritime sector.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector is undergoing rapid modernisation through major investments in port infrastructure, logistics efficiency and digital systems.
ESG and Green Port Initiatives Gain Momentum
A major highlight of the celebrations was the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing sustainability, energy efficiency and environmentally responsible port development.
JNPA signed an MoU with CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to support:
- environmental planning
- pollution control
- climate resilience
- ESG implementation
- sustainable port development
The collaboration is expected to strengthen JNPA’s environmental governance framework and support future expansion projects.
Green Mobility and Shore Power Expansion Planned
JNPA also signed an agreement with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) for the development of:
- EV charging stations
- battery swapping stations
- sustainable logistics infrastructure
within the port premises.
In another key initiative, JNPA partnered with REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited to expand shore power infrastructure across multiple terminals, helping reduce vessel emissions while berthed at port.
Additionally, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will support the implementation of:
- solar power projects
- battery energy storage systems
- energy-efficient lighting
- green infrastructure upgrades
across port facilities and residential colonies.
IIT Madras Collaboration to Advance Maritime Innovation
Further strengthening India’s indigenous maritime technology ecosystem, JNPA signed an MoU with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
The collaboration will focus on developing advanced maritime solutions including:
- digital twins
- navigation systems
- dredging technologies
- simulation models
- vessel traffic management
- Just-In-Time (JIT) systems
and other next-generation technologies relevant to port operations and maritime logistics.
Industry experts view such partnerships as critical for improving port productivity and supporting India’s ambition to become a global maritime hub.
Digitalisation, Sustainability and Throughput Drive Future Growth
The combination of record cargo volumes, AI-enabled operations, indigenous maritime technologies and ESG-focused partnerships reflects the changing nature of modern port management.
As global ports increasingly embrace automation, data analytics and sustainability-driven growth models, JNPA’s latest initiatives signal India’s intention to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape.
With cargo volumes crossing 102 MMT and container traffic exceeding 8 million TEUs for the first time, JNPA continues to strengthen its position as a key pillar of India’s maritime growth strategy.
