S.K. Mehta, Chairman of the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, delivered a powerful vision for a sustainable maritime future and outlined India's untapped potential in shipbuilding during his address at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. His presentation at the 'Maritime & Logistics' seminar underscored a strategic shift towards eco-friendly port operations and the immense economic opportunity in domestic vessel construction.
Charting a Course for Green Port Operations
Chairman Mehta placed a strong emphasis on transforming Kandla into a model of environmental stewardship. He detailed a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to minimize the port's ecological footprint. A cornerstone of this plan is the ambitious target to meet 60% of the port's electricity demand through solar power. This significant investment in renewable energy aims to drastically cut carbon emissions from port activities.
Beyond solar, Mehta highlighted the critical need for robust systems to manage ship-generated waste and curb oil spills. He advocated for the strict enforcement of international environmental regulations within port limits. Furthermore, he pointed to the potential of harnessing wind energy, given Gujarat's extensive coastline, suggesting it could become a major supplementary power source for maritime infrastructure, driving the sector towards a greener future.
Unlocking India's Shipbuilding Potential
Shifting focus to industrial growth, Mehta turned the spotlight on a sector ripe for expansion: shipbuilding. He presented a compelling case for India to aggressively capture a larger share of the global shipbuilding market. Currently, India accounts for only about 1% of the world's shipbuilding tonnage, a figure he identified as a major opportunity rather than a limitation.
Mehta argued that India possesses distinct competitive advantages, including a vast, skilled workforce and lower labor costs compared to traditional shipbuilding nations. To catalyze growth, he called for a synergistic partnership between the government and private industry. He proposed that supportive policies, such as production-linked incentives (PLI) and easier access to financing, could attract massive investments into shipyards, transforming India into a global hub for vessel construction and repair.
A Vision for Integrated Maritime Development
The Chairman's address wove together the themes of sustainability and industrial growth into a cohesive national vision. He portrayed ports not just as gateways for trade, but as engines for comprehensive economic development that must operate responsibly. The initiatives at DPA Kandla, from solar power to waste management, are positioned as pilot projects that can set a benchmark for other major ports in India.
By championing shipbuilding, Mehta highlighted a path to reduce import dependency, generate substantial employment, and strengthen the country's maritime self-reliance. His presentation at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit effectively framed the maritime sector as a critical pillar for achieving India's broader economic and environmental goals, signaling a proactive approach from one of the nation's leading port authorities.
