Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority and President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), has praised India’s rapid port infrastructure growth while stressing that the next phase must prioritise integration, digitalisation, and rail connectivity.
Speaking during a recent visit to Chennai, Meier said India has made “remarkable progress” over the past decade, particularly in developing large-scale infrastructure and improving road connectivity in key hubs such as Mumbai. However, he emphasised that future competitiveness will depend on strengthening multimodal logistics, hinterland efficiency, and digital systems.
Comparing Indian ports with global benchmarks like the Port of Hamburg, Meier noted that while ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Chennai Port have scale and ambition, gaps remain in rail modal share, process standardisation, and digital integration.
On India’s hybrid port ownership model—combining government-run ports and private operators—Meier said it could be a strength rather than a weakness. He cited Mundra Port as an example of efficient private-led development, adding that overall ecosystem performance matters more than ownership structure.
Highlighting key challenges, Meier pointed to limited rail competitiveness, noting that rail becomes viable beyond 150 km in Europe but only beyond around 500 km in India. He also flagged the need for sharper prioritisation of projects and harmonisation of digital standards across ports.
On cruise tourism, Meier acknowledged improvements in India’s infrastructure but stressed that success depends on building a complete ecosystem, including route planning, market positioning, and service quality.
Discussing green and digital corridors, he said collaboration between ports—particularly between Europe and India—could enable standardised alternative fuel systems, shared safety protocols, and seamless data exchange. Indian ports, he noted, have become increasingly active within IAPH in recent years.
Meier underscored the importance of workforce development, especially as the industry transitions toward cleaner fuels such as LNG, hydrogen, and ammonia. “Digital transformation is about empowering people, not replacing them,” he said.
Addressing global trade disruptions, Meier described ports as inherently resilient but warned that uncertainty affects investment decisions. Stable and efficient ports, he added, play a crucial role in sustaining global trade and economic stability.
Looking ahead, he said the proposed India–EU trade agreement could significantly boost cargo flows, creating new opportunities for ports. However, he cautioned that balanced trade is essential to avoid inefficiencies such as empty container movements.
“India has the potential to join the global big league,” Meier concluded, adding that success will depend on focused execution, KPI-driven management, transparency, and alignment with international standards.