Essar Ports plans to convert Salaya Port in Gujarat, India into a green port, with facilities for green hydrogen production, bio-fuel storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The port, which currently handles mainly bulk cargo, will also have facilities for liquid and container cargo. The CEO, Rajiv Agarwal, explained that the plan includes setting up a 17 km rail connectivity and a state-of-the-art road highway connecting Jamnagar with Amritsar. The company aims to increase the port’s capacity to 100 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) within the next four to five years.
Essar Ports has divested several ports, including Vadinar Port, Hazira Port, Paradip Port, and the Vizag Port, but still holds the 20 mtpa greenfield port in Salaya and a 20 mtpa capacity in the U.K. Salaya Port is currently the deepest port with a 15-meter draught, which will be increased to 18 meters in the second phase. Agarwal also stated that the company plans to develop more ports as the world relies more on shipping, making it one of the cheapest modes of transporting goods.
The conversion of Salaya Port into a green port aligns with the global push for environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. By implementing facilities for green hydrogen production, bio-fuel storage, and LNG, the port will be able to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the clean energy transition. The development of rail and road connectivity will enhance the port’s accessibility and improve the efficiency of cargo transportation. With plans to increase its capacity to 100 mtpa, Salaya Port aims to become a significant player in India’s maritime industry and contribute to its economic growth.
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