The 21st Annual Conference on Ports in India served as a crucial platform for industry leaders, who discussed the advancements and growth of the ports sector. With an objective to highlight new initiatives and identify upcoming opportunities for various stakeholders, the conference also provided a platform to showcase some of the emerging technology solutions and best practices being deployed in the sector.
Rajiv Agarwal, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Essar Ports, made a significant contribution as a distinguished speaker at the Conference. Mr. Agarwal shared valuable insights alongside esteemed individuals like Rajiv Jalota, Chairperson of Mumbai Port Authority, and Mr. Alok Brara, CEO of Indian Infrastructure Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
During his address, Mr. Agarwal highlighted the impressive accomplishments of Essar Ports, which has been instrumental in developing 168 Million Metric Tons Per Annum (MTPA) of Port Capacity in India.. He emphasised on Essar’s Salaya port, which showcases state-of-the-art operations and Essar’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. Mr. Agarwal drew attention to Essar’s Stanlow Terminals and emphasised the terminal’s crucial role in upcoming fuels like green ammonia and hydrogen.
For the growth of the sector he drew attention on the transformational journey which the Ports will see going forward where from nodal points they will evolve to becoming “Green Energy Hubs”. He opined that with growth expected in the country there will be a surge in cargo handling at Indian Ports as EXIM activity picks up. This will necessitate development of all private jetties and maximising their utilisation. He expressed that the integration within ports and hinterland with efficient solutions will see evolution of Hub [mega ports] and Spoke [smaller ports & terminals] model in the Ports Sector paving way for sustainable transportation of cargo and reduction of overall logistics cost.
Recognising the challenges related to logistics costs, Mr. Agarwal stressed on the importance of Gati Shakti scheme and emphasised the need of multi modal connectivity at existing Ports in the country and need for innovative solutions to tackle these concerns. He drew parallels in Ports and Power Sector and opined that just like in Power Sector [power plants can supply surplus power to grid] – captive ports & jetties should be free to handle the cargo of other customers in view of their efficiency and need of Industry.
Speaking on the current port infrastructure in the country, he emphasised the importance of both major and minor ports. Mr. Agarwal drew parallels to international counterparts such as Dubai and Singapore, advocating for the improvement of facilities and capabilities to handle a wide range of cargo in eco-friendly manner. When discussing the Mumbai port, he highlighted its ongoing relevance and prosperity, particularly as a central hub for various types of cargo.
To summarise, Rajiv Agarwal’s involvement in the 21st Annual Conference on Ports in India demonstrated Essar Ports’ dedication to sustainable practices, inventive solutions, and forward-thinking strategies focused towards energy transition and a cleaner future. His perspectives not only highlighted the present accomplishments of Essar Ports but also provided guidance for the industry in addressing forthcoming obstacles and prospects.