A 15-member delegation from the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), the global trade association for seaports worldwide, visited Chennai Port on October 22 and 23. Led by its Secretary General, Masahiko Furuichi, the visit was a collaborative knowledge-sharing engagement.
The delegation comprised senior officials and experts representing major Japanese ports and maritime organisations. These included the Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Tomakomai Port Authorities, the Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan, and the Universities of Kyoto and Kanagawa, says a release from Chennai Port Authority (ChPA).
The technical workshop held on October 23 was attended by senior officers of Chennai Port Authority, Kamarajar Port Limited, and IAPH. The sessions covered key themes such as smooth and effective Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) in ports, enhancing hinterland connectivity, decarbonisation, shore power supply and environmental sustainability, and community outreach initiatives, the release said.
Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson, ChPA, Chairman, Kamarajar Port Limited, and Chairman, Indian Ports Association, highlighted long-term India-Japan initiatives in his address. He also spoke of the holistic and sustainable progress made by Chennai and Kamarajar Ports through major initiatives in connectivity, infrastructure, digitalisation, community development, and green growth under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. He noted the ports’ commitment towards community and the global recognition received in sustainable community development.
In her speech, JP Irene Cynthia, Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited, shared insights on KPL’s ongoing initiatives in LNG bunkering, shore power supply, Green Tug Transition, and connectivity enhancement. These reflect the port’s commitment to sustainable operations and capacity expansion, says the release.