Chennai and Kamarajar Ports Collaborate With Japanese Ports to Enhance Global Maritime Excellence
Chennai:
Port Wings News Network:
Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) and Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL), in association with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), Tokyo, successfully hosted a three day knowledge exchange program with six major ports from Japan. The event, held at Kamarajar Port in Ennore, marks a significant milestone in the India-Japan maritime partnership.
The program brought together senior leadership teams from prominent Japanese ports, including Tomakomai, Osaka, Kobe, Tokyo, Yokohama, and Nagoya, as well as two Japanese universities, Kyoto and Kanagawa.
The 15-member delegation, led by Dr. Masahiko Furuichi, Secretary General of IAPH, included esteemed senior maritime leaders, Dr. Inchimo Motono, Senior Executive Director of Yokohama Port Corporation & Vice President of IAPH, Asia, Sanada Hitoshi, President of North Japan Port Consultancy Pvt Ltd, and Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, Regional Director of IAPH India.
The knowledge exchange program focused on key areas, including:
1. Decarbonisation: Sharing best practices and innovative solutions to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable port operations.
2. Climate and Energy: Discussing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change and promote energy-efficient practices in ports.
3. Digitalization: Exploring opportunities for digital transformation and innovation in port operations and logistics. 4. Risk Resilience of Ports: Sharing expertise and best practices to enhance port resilience and mitigate risks.
The event was inaugurated by Sunil Paliwal IAS, Chairman of Chennai Port & Kamarajar Port and Indian Ports Association, who emphasized the importance of global collaboration in driving India’s maritime growth. “This initiative aligns perfectly with the Prime Minister’s vision of Amritkaal India 2047, where India aims to become a developed nation, not only in terms of economy but also as a global maritime nation,” he said.
Irene Cynthia IAS, Managing Director of KPL, shared the best practices of KPL on efficiency and cargo growth, achieved with a significantly lean team of about 100 plus direct employees, compared to the industry average of 1000 employees for similar volumes in age old ports, which is a reflection of a modern port in India.
S. Vishwanathan IAS, Dy. Chairman of Chennai Port Authority, highlighted the strong bilateral relations between India and Japan, with an annual trade of $26 billion. Japan exports $18 billion worth of goods to India, while India exports $8 billion to Japan. This collaboration workshop will further bolster trade growth and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
This collaboration will provide opportunities for both countries maritime sectors development, leveraging the growing bilateral trade between Japan and India, said Sanada Hitoshi, President, North Japan Port Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.
This collaboration meeting between Indian and Japanese ports is expected to enhance their competitiveness and sustainability, paving the way for a new era of cooperation and growth in the maritime sector, benefiting both India and Japan as remarked by Dr Ichio Motono, Sr Executive Director, Yokohama Port Corporation, Japan.
Maritime trade is a key driver of economic growth, and collaborations like this India-Japan ports initiative are timely and crucial. As India marches towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, such partnerships will play a vital role in facilitating international trade and fueling growth, said Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, Regional Director of IAPH, India, who spearheaded this initiative.
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) is a global organization that represents ports and harbors worldwide, promoting cooperation and knowledge sharing among its more than 200 plus member ports globally.
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