Building Ports for Tomorrow

Expediting the Transition to

Smart, Secure & Sustainable Ports

Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju

Chairman
New Mangalore Port Authority
Contents

Context Setting

Challenges

Transitioning to Smart Ports

Case in Point: NMPA

Context
Setting
Significance of Ports in Global Maritime Trade

> 80% of global trade by volume is seaborne

12,292 MMT in 2023 - a 2.4% increase

Ton-miles (Avg distance travelled per ton of

cargo) at 5,186 miles in 2024

UNCTAD, 2024
Significance of Indian Ports

Over 90% of India's trade by volume and

70% by value is handled by the ports

Directly and indirectly contributing ~15-20%

of GDP

Key to lower logistics costs to single digit

Developed countries India Other Developing
(US, Germany) Countries
(Brazil, SA, China)

8-10% ~13-14% 12-18%

Indian Maritime Growth in the last decade

Capacity of Indian Cargo Handled by Coastal Shipping

Turn Around Time
Ports Indian Ports Volume

92% 58% 48% 117%

No. of Operational Cargo Handled through
National Waterways Inland Waterways

7x 18x
No. of Seafarers No. of Cruise Passengers

1.5x 4.5x
Evolving Role of Ports

• Basic handling and storage • Multimodal supply chain • Rise of smart ports • Quantum-powered hyper-
facilities integration • Real-time tracking and analytics efficient logistics
• Bulk and break-bulk cargo • Expansion for bigger vessels • Green port initiatives • Carbon-neutral or -negative ops
• Manual labor • IT systems for operations and • Adaptations for resilient supply • Autonomous cybersecurity
management chains with zero-latency response
• Near-zero impact smart
dredging

1990s 2010s 2030s

Before 1990s 2000s 2020s 2040s

• Adoption of containerization • Digital ports • Fully autonomous ports

• Enhanced port infra • Sustainability via emission • AI-driven logistics ecosystems
• Global trade hubs and reduction & renewable energy • Offshore & deep-sea expansion
multiple FTZs • Investment in specialized terminals • AI-driven predictive cyber security
across self-healing networks
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 & Maritime India Vision 2030

Parameter Current Target Aspiration

Status 2030 2047
Overall Port handling capacity (MTPA) 2600
3000+ 10000+
% share of cargo handled at major ports on PPP mode 51%
85%+ 100%
No. of Hydrogen/ Ammonia hubs -
3 14
No. of Carbon neutral ports -
- 14
Global rank in ship recycling 2nd
1st 1st
Global rank in ship building and repair 22nd
Top 10 Top 5
No. of cruise passengers (Mn) 0.4
1.8 5
Cargo handled through inland waterways (MMT) 133
200+ 500+
Achieving 10,000 MTPA capacity by 2047

Existing Port Capacity (2023)

(Major + Non-Major ports)

~2,600 MTPA Port Capacity

~10,000 MTPA
Need for Capacity expansion
1620 Port Capacity

MTPA ~5,000 MTPA ~4,200 MTPA

Need for Capacity expansion
Projected Port Capacity

Major Ports ~1,600 MTPA

~5,800 MTPA
Est. Port Capacity at
current growth rate

1002 ~3,400 MTPA

Est. Port Capacity at
current growth rate
MTPA
Non - Major ~2,600 MTPA
Port Capacity
Ports

2023 2030 2047

Challenge
s
Current Triggers for Modernization

Operational Environmental Technological

• Manual inefficiencies
• Reducing emissions to counter • Cybersecurity - Ransomware
• Costs of operations (15-20%) climate change attacks and Third-party risks
• Costs of dredging (25-30%) • Better waste management for • Vulnerabilities in supply chain
avoiding water pollution integrations
• Maintenance of aging infra
• Reducing impact of dredging • Skill gap
• Lack of first/last-mile visibility

Conflicting Priorities need a Balancing

Act
Transitioning
to Smart
Ports
UNCTAD Smart Port model

1st Generation 2nd Generation 3rd Generation 4th Generation 5th Generation
‐‐‐‐‐/1940 1960 1980 2000 2020
Mechanic Port Container Port EDI Port Internet Port Smart Port
Mechanical operation Free Zone International network Global Network ITS port
Handicraft works Industrial area Integrated centre Port community Logistic community
Free tax port Commercial area Logistic area Smart City
EDI services Intermodal services Smart Hinterland
Internet services Multimodal services
Sustainable port
Port 4.0 – Technology as a Key Differentiator

Dimensions in Port 4.0

 Business Process Automation (BPA)
 Coordination and Integration
 Data-empowered Decision Processes

Enabling technologies Key services & solutions

Behzad Behdani, 2023
Impact of Ports getting Smart

Linking the Port Ecosystem Operational Improvements for Port Partners BCG Analysis
…which translates into

New Business Models Improved Quality Assurance Greater Automation

Digitalizes the entire business Upgrades the operational capability It eliminates the government role and
model on a highly secured, by allowing business operations to paperwork, enhances the automation of
certified, tamper-proof blockchain be operated digitally over a process under its network.
network. secured ledger.

Streamlined Internal Documents Greater Supply Chain Connectivity Transparency & Traceability
Validates the original documents All the operations and activities can Improve transparency in supply chain
among its certified users and be controlled by a remote controller network and enables the remotely
prevents the creation of its multiple using the blockchain network. Traceability of the status of the
copies. shipment.
Port Processes
Getting Smart

Processes Marine Ops Cargo Handling

Robotic process automation in Solar-powered smart tugs Automated cranes & guided
admin functions for consistent, reduce labor and fuel costs vehicles for enhanced
error-free task execution. associated with pilotage. predictability and efficiency.
AI for demand prediction, Advanced VTMS and smart Digital twin for optimizing
resource allocation, demand, buoys to optimize movements performance and predictive
and enhance decision-making. & navigation safety. maintenance
Automating repetitive, high- Mitigating embarkment and
Real-time monitoring for
volume processes for lowering disembarkment risks in
timely corrective actions
staffing costs. manual pilotage

Dredging Safety
Automated, Remote Ops for Connected worker solutions
better precision & efficiency. for real-time monitoring,
triggers and response
Real-time monitoring for Workplace wearable devices
better scheduling &
efficiency. • Gas sensing masks
• Acid sensing shoes
Solar-powered & self- • Height sensing helmets
propelled dredging barges
• Smart glasses
for sustainability.
Growing Secure

Security Cyber Security

Real-time monitoring and advanced threat
RFID enables automated,
detection systems to counter ransomware
secure access control.
attacks and safeguard critical systems
Drone-based surveillance for Enforce cybersecurity protocols for third-
real-time triggers through party vendors and adopt zero-trust
improved coverage. architecture to secure external integrations

Automated security cameras Bridge the skill gap by training employees in

with advanced analytics for cybersecurity best practices and conducting
real-time response. regular drills
Becoming Sustainable

Renewable Energy & Clean Ops Circular Economy Integration Green Infra Development

On-site renewable energy Waste recycling & resource Eco-friendly construction

generation recovery - utilizing dredged practices - green roofs and
material & vermicomposting walls, sustainable materials

Energy-efficient infrastructure Water management through Create buffer zones through

inc. lighting & HVAC systems harvesting and treatment natural habitat preservation
systems and restoration
Recycling and repurposing Land use optimization for
Shore power for vessels
retired port equipment minimizing environmental
impact

Sustainable Logistics & Ops Governance for Green Ports Environmental Monitoring
Comply with ISO 14001 IoT sensors for real-time
Low-emission vehicles and
(Environmental Management tracking, and drones to
equipment for cargo
Systems) monitor ecological changes
handling
Engage with stakeholders - Digital twins and predictive
Encourage sustainable ops analytics for impact related
local communities, workers,
through incentives decision-making and planning
employees, PGA,
government
Encourage development Annual sustainability reports
Digitize logistics to reduce
through green financing for transparent reporting to
waste in operations
options foster trust with stakeholders
Expediting
the
Transition
Finding a Balanced Approach

1
Fast-Tracking Infrastructure Expansion
• Prioritize studies and approvals to accelerate project timelines.
• Implement modular construction techniques to enable phased rollouts and rapid scalability.

2
Driving Technological Innovation
• Launch quick pilot projects to test and refine new technologies before full-scale deployment.
• Develop detailed implementation roadmaps to ensure seamless integration of IoT, AI, and
automation, with stringent cybersecurity measures in place.

3
Upskilling the Workforce
• Invest in continuous training programs for operating advanced systems.
• Foster a culture of innovation through cross-functional collaboration and adaptability.

4
Sustainability at the Core
• Implement renewable energy and circular economy initiatives.
• Align port development with ecological priorities.
Collaborations for Implementation

Stakeholder Collaboration as a Core Strategy

0 • Partnerships to streamline operations

1 • Joint task forces to address challenges like cybersecurity

0 Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

• Use PPPs for financing infrastructure upgrades and innovation

2 • Share risks to ensure faster deployment and stakeholder buy-in

0 Knowledge-Sharing Networks
• Collaborate through platforms like IMO and IAPH to adopt best practices

3 • Facilitate cross-border expertise exchange for scalable solutions

Policy Alignment and Governance

04 •
•
Align regulations with global frameworks (e.g., IMO) for compliance
Develop adaptive policies to support innovation and risk management

Scaling Innovations Through Collaboration

05 •
•
Pilot and refine sustainability projects via initiatives like the Global Green Port Initiative
Form regional coalitions to align sustainability and innovation efforts
New Mangalore Port
Authority
An ISO 9001, 14001 & ISPS Compliant port
50 years of dedicated service to the Nation

2025 – Golden Jubilee Year

Aerial View of the Port
Getting Smart

Robotic Firefighting System

Automated Weighbridge RFID-based Access Control at Port Gates

Growing Secure

RFID Scanning of On-Board & Shore Labour

Drone surveillance in custom bound area

Becoming Sustainable

5.2 MW Solar Power Plant 100% Green Fleet: 2 e-Buses, 16 e-cars & 5 CNG Cars

3-Phase Shore Supply at 415V, 50Hz, 150KW (max.) 734 acre (33%) Green Belt
There’s more!

1,31,000 KL Rainwater Harvesting 1.2 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant

5,500 KL Slop Reception Facility 2 TPD Vermicomposting Unit

Environmental Awards

2018 2014 2013 2014

KSPCB Trophy Aranyamitra Award KSPCB Award KSPCB Award

2018 & 2019 2018 2016 2016-2023

Swachha Survekshan Samudra Paryavaran Greentech Award

Aranyamithra Award Greentech Award
Award Award
Thank You!