NEW DELHI — The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private‑sector arm of the World Bank Group, has approved a 672‑crore‑rupee loan to the JNPA for the installation of shore‑power facilities at its ports. The funding is part of a broader effort to reduce the carbon footprint of maritime operations in India.
IFC’s investment targets green ports
The loan, announced on 28 September 2026, will finance the procurement and installation of shore‑power infrastructure that allows vessels to plug into the grid while berthed, eliminating the need to run diesel generators for lighting, air‑conditioning and other onboard systems. The JNPA, which manages several key ports along the western coast, will use the funds to upgrade its existing power supply network and expand the reach of shore‑power to additional berths.
Shore power, also known as “cold ironing”, is increasingly adopted worldwide as a means to cut greenhouse‑gas emissions from ships. In India, the Ministry of Shipping has set a target to provide shore power at 50 percent of the country’s major ports by 2030. The IFC loan is a step toward that goal, providing the capital required for the high‑cost electrical infrastructure.
Financial details and project scope
The 672‑crore‑rupee loan is structured as a 10‑year facility with a 5‑year grace period. The JNPA will repay the principal and interest in 12 equal instalments, beginning in 2028. The loan is backed by a credit guarantee from the IFC, which reduces the risk exposure for the borrower and encourages the use of clean‑energy technology.
According to the IFC’s press release, the project will cover the installation of high‑voltage transformers, cabling, and control systems at three major berths. The infrastructure will also include a monitoring platform to track energy consumption and emissions reductions in real time.
Context within India’s green‑energy push
India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement includes a target of reducing maritime emissions by 30 percent by 2030. The JNPA’s shore‑power project aligns with the government’s National Maritime Policy, which encourages ports to adopt cleaner technologies. The loan also complements the World Bank’s broader investment in India’s renewable‑energy sector, which includes a US$890‑million commitment to rooftop solar expansion announced earlier this year.
Port authorities across the country have begun to adopt shore power after pilot projects in Mumbai and Chennai demonstrated significant fuel savings and lower air‑pollution levels. The IFC’s funding is expected to accelerate the rollout of similar projects in Gujarat, where the JNPA operates the largest container terminal in the state.
Stakeholder reactions
The JNPA’s chief executive officer, Mr. Arjun Patel, said the loan would help the authority meet its sustainability targets and improve operational efficiency. “The investment will enable us to provide cleaner, more reliable power to vessels, reducing their dependence on diesel and lowering operating costs,” he said in a statement to the press.
Environmental groups have welcomed the move, noting that shore power can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 80 percent for ships that remain docked for extended periods. The Green Ship Initiative, a coalition of maritime NGOs, said the project would set a benchmark for other ports in the region.
Implications for the broader shipping sector
Port operators in India have faced increasing pressure from international shipping companies to adopt greener practices. The IFC loan provides a financial model that can be replicated by other port authorities seeking to upgrade their infrastructure. The project also creates a precedent for public‑private partnership in the maritime sector, potentially attracting further investment from multilateral institutions.
While the loan is a significant step, experts note that the transition to shore power requires coordination with national power utilities and adherence to safety standards. The JNPA will work with the Gujarat State Power Corporation to ensure grid stability and compliance with the Indian Electricity Act.
Future outlook
The IFC has indicated that it will monitor the project’s progress and evaluate its impact on emissions and operational costs. If successful, the JNPA may seek additional funding to expand shore power to smaller ports and to integrate renewable energy sources such as solar and wind into the grid.
As India moves toward a low‑carbon economy, the JNPA’s shore‑power infrastructure will play a key role in reducing the environmental impact of its maritime trade. The 672‑crore‑rupee loan marks a milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise its port infrastructure and align with global sustainability standards.
