Japanese delegation explores Chennai Port’s sustainability and modernization drive

Chennai:

A 15-member Japanese delegation from the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) held two days of technical and policy-level discussions with the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) focusing on sustainable port development, green transitions, and future-ready infrastructure.

Led by Masahiko Furuichi, Secretary General of IAPH, the delegation included senior officials and experts from major Japanese ports such as Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Tomakomai, along with representatives from the Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan (OCDI) and universities in Kyoto and Kanagawa.

A technical workshop on Wednesday brought together senior officers from the Chennai Port Authority, Kamarajar Port Limited, and IAPH to deliberate on public–private partnerships, hinterland connectivity, decarbonisation, shore power supply, and community outreach.

Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, said that the ports have made “holistic and sustainable progress” under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 through investments in connectivity, digitalisation, infrastructure, and green growth. “Chennai and Kamarajar Ports are committed to sustainable community development, which has earned them international recognition,” he said.

Deputy Chairperson S Viswanathan underscored the importance of international collaboration and pointed to India Maritime Week 2025 as a key platform for exchanging global best practices. He also highlighted the human element in maritime operations, particularly in supporting ship crews.

Kamarajar Port’s Managing Director, JP  Irene Cynthia, outlined ongoing initiatives such as LNG bunkering, shore power integration, and the Green Tug Transition, noting that sustainability and capacity expansion are now central to the port’s growth strategy.

Furuichi, in his remarks, emphasised that international cooperation is essential for achieving “sustainable economic growth and global harmony.” He reiterated IAPH’s guiding principle — “World peace through world trade, world trade through world ports.”

Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, IAPH’s India Regional Director, highlighted global sustainability efforts, citing the Kobe Hydrogen Smart City project alongside India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 as examples of how ports can act as catalysts for decarbonisation and community engagement.

The visit, part of an ongoing India–Japan maritime dialogue, underscored the growing convergence between the two countries on green port management, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.