International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) President Jens Meier, who also serves as CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, visited Kamarajar Port Limited and Chennai Port Authority as part of a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral and global maritime cooperation, sustainability partnerships, and digital transformation initiatives.
At Kamarajar Port Limited, Mr. Meier was felicitated by Ms. Irene Cynthia, IAS, Managing Director, KPL, along with senior officials. The visit marked a significant step in reinforcing maritime cooperation between India and global ports under the IAPH framework, while highlighting Kamarajar Port’s growing role as a key gateway on India’s east coast. Discussions focused on green port and decarbonisation strategies, digital transformation and smart port systems, operational excellence and safety standards, and structured cooperation for innovation and capacity building.
Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, Regional Director – South Asia, IAPH, stated that the President’s visit reflects the growing importance of South Asia in the global maritime ecosystem. He noted that collaboration among ports is essential to address climate change, digital disruption, and evolving trade patterns, adding that Kamarajar Port is well-positioned to emerge as a model for sustainable and technology-driven port development in the region.
Ms. Irene Cynthia, IAS, Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited, said the visit underscores the port’s commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and international partnership. She expressed optimism about leveraging IAPH’s global network to accelerate green initiatives, digital transformation, and resilient maritime trade corridors.
Earlier, the IAPH and Hamburg delegation also visited Chennai Port Authority, where they undertook an extensive tour of the port’s facilities. The delegation was briefed at the Signal Station and participated in a vessel ride within the port basin to gain first-hand insights into marine operations and navigational management systems. They also visited the DP World and PSA container terminals to understand container handling operations, infrastructure capabilities, digital systems, and efficiency initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan emphasised the importance of international collaboration in advancing operational excellence, sustainability, and digital transformation across ports. He reiterated President Jens Meier’s vision for global ports to be “resilient by design and innovative by nature.”
Mr. S. Viswanathan, IAS, Chairperson of Chennai Port Authority, highlighted the port’s ongoing modernisation, capacity augmentation, and environmental stewardship initiatives. A detailed presentation showcased Chennai Port’s operational performance, infrastructure development, multimodal connectivity, sustainability initiatives, and corporate social responsibility efforts.
In his remarks, Mr. Jens Meier noted that ports must act as catalysts of energy transition and resilient supply chains in a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. He underscored the importance of collaboration between European and South Asian ports in advancing green corridors, clean energy solutions, smart port technologies, and global best practices.
The visits concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to strengthening global port collaboration under the IAPH platform and advancing a future-ready maritime ecosystem aligned with global sustainability goals.
