Visakhapatnam Port sets sail on a green voyage
Dr M Angamuthu, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Authority
| Photo Credit:
DEEPAK KR
The Visakhapatnam Port has set sail on a new voyage to become a completely green port in a couple of years, thanks to a slew of initiatives of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).
The green initiatives encompass all areas of port operations, from mechanisation and electrification, bulk cargo terminals, tug operations, to use of energy. “In line with the Harith Sagar Guidelines of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, we are taking a slew of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise environmental impact to maintain status as sustainable eco-port of the country,’‘ M Angamuthu, Chairperson, VPA, told businessline.
Already, major bulk cargo handling terminals are fully mechanised and operated electrically. “Furthermore, modernisation of five berths and mechanisation projects on public private partnership (PPP) mode are underway, scheduled for completion by March 2027, with complete electrical equipment,’‘ the VPA Chairperson said. The replacement of existing diesel-driven harbour mobile cranes with electrically operated cranes is progressing in a phased manner.
For eco-friendly tug operations, VPA has initiated hiring of an electric tug for port vessel operations in line with the guidelines. Tenders have been floated for the same. “In fact, we are on the threshold of becoming a key port that can lead in Green transformation down the line,’‘ Angamuthu said.
To make operations more eco-friendly, over 200 water-sprinkling nozzles have been installed in all cargo-handling stack yards. These are monitored by automated control systems.
Green energy
The NTPC Green Energy Ltd. (NGEL) Green Hydrogen Hub Project at Pudimadaka, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh was launched in January this year. VPA has requested NTPC to explore the possibility of handling 2.5 mmtpa of green chemicals produced from the NGEL plant through VPA. VPA is providing land for establishing a green hydrogen plant with a capacity of 50 mega watt (MW) by 2028.
By installing 320 electronic energy meters, VPA will be analysing real-time energy loads and swiftly address inefficiencies. This initiative improves power distribution, which ensures cost-effectiveness through data-driven decision-making.
Approximately 60 per cent of the port’s vehicle fleet now operates on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Electric vehicle charging stations are being installed at strategic locations, indicating VPA’s transition toward cleaner mobility options.
Push for start-ups
VPA conducted the Green Port Startup Innovation Challenge Hackathon on August 22, 2025, which showcased the entrepreneurial energy of India’s maritime ecosystem. With more than 100 entries and the top 12 start-ups presenting their visionary ideas, this platform embodied the spirit of innovation. From AI-driven logistics and plastic-to-products circular economy to marine monitoring, sustainable infrastructure, and greener ports, these concepts hold potential to redefine maritime sustainability perspectives.
The hackathon has particularly inspired young innovators, startups, and micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering them opportunities to co-create solutions for decarbonization, smart operations, and environmental stewardship. “The commitment is to provide continued support to promising startups, foster an enabling ecosystem for maritime entrepreneurship, and ensure that these ideas translate into scalable, real-world impact,’‘ said VPA chief.
Published on September 22, 2025
