Indian Ports Research Articles

Life cycle environmental impact assessment of the “Sindhuja-I” wave energy converter

The life cycle assessment (LCA) is an inevitable part of ocean wave energy systems. This paper presents an LCA of the Sindhuja-I ocean wave energy converter (WEC). The WEC is a point absorber type WEC tested at the Tuticorin port in India. This study utilized the ISO 14044 standard and SimaPro LCA software to assess the environmental impact of the WEC in comparison to a coal power plant, offshore wind, and tidal energy devices. The functional unit considered is the generation of 1 kWh of electricity. The WEC has a global warming potential of 174 gCO2-eq/kWh, showcasing an impressive 81.9% reduction in emissions compared to coal power plants. Stainless steel contributes significantly to emissions, accounting for 93.7%, 94.6%, 99.4%, and 94.1% of total CO2, NOx, SO2, and PM2.5 emissions, respectively. The paper emphasizes the potential environmental benefits of recycling WEC materials at the end of their lifespan. Furthermore, the study suggests that the longevity of a point absorber device can positively impact its overall environmental footprint, given its minimal moving parts and low maintenance requirements. The WEC has a promising environmental footprint of ocean wave energy conversion, particularly compared to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation.

Reliability and validity assessment of instrument to measure sustainability practices at shipping ports in India

Sustainability has emerged as one of the most critical factors influencing the competitiveness of maritime shipping ports. This emergence has led to a surge in research publications on port sustainability-related topics. However, despite the increasing awareness and adoption of sustainability practices, documented literature on empirical studies with survey and interview data is very limited. Moreover, the existence of validated instruments to objectively assess sustainability through sustainability practices for shipping ports in India needs to be traced. This study contributes by validating an instrument to evaluate objectively sustainability practices in shipping ports by adopting a four-stage process, starting with item identification based on an extensive literature review, instrument evaluation by subject matter experts, assessing of the instrument with suitable content validation indices, and finally evaluating the validity and reliability of the hypothesized theoretical model. For content validation, Content Validity Index, Cohens Kappa coefficient, and Lawshe’s Content Validity Ratio were computed with the assessment by a subject matter expert panel comprising six members from the port industry as well as academicians cum researchers in the field of shipping ports. The content-validated instrument was administered to 200 samples comprising officer category port employees. The measurement model was evaluated and validated using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis to assess the extent to which the measured variables represent the theoretical construct of the study and ascertain the factor structure. The empirically validated instrument met the required guidelines of model fit, reliability, and construct validity measures and was found to be a confirmed model for measuring sustainability practices in shipping ports. Structural Equation Modeling methodology was adopted to explain the variance and the path relationship between the higher-order and lower-order constructs of sustainability. The results indicate that the economic dimensions are the major contributors to the overall sustainability of the port as they drive investments in environmental and social dimensions, leading to overall sustainable development. The study’s findings will be helpful for researchers, academicians, policymakers, and industry practitioners working towards sustainability practices that contribute to sustainable growth and development in the shipping industry.

Are Indian ports safe? Identifying, analysing and prioritizing the risks affecting India's major ports

Seaports are exposed to multiple risks that may affect security and operations. This research aims to develop a framework for identifying, ranking, and prioritizing the risks. Also, this study ranks the 12 major Indian ports based on the identified risk factors. The study follows an extensive literature review, prioritization by Fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), and sensitivity analysis for robustness. Thirty-two risks were identified and classified into five categories: natural disasters, geographical risks, security risks, operational and financial risks, and socio-political risks. The analysis suggests that the most important risk that the ports in India should consider is natural disasters. The risk of cyclones and tsunamis occupied the first two ranks among the global risks. Operational and financial risks, such as complex and lengthy approval procedures and infrastructure risks, are ranked third and fourth. Mumbai is ranked first as the riskiest Indian port, followed by Kolkata, JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust), and Vishakapatnam Port

Impact of Sagarmala Project on Indian Economy: A Critical Study

Abstract: In The Indian economy ports are the main factors to doing trade between two or more countries. Ports cover miles of distance between countries and Indian ports are the bones of Indian exports in the terms of modes of transportation. Its major role is in sea transport, Inland waterways which pass through different seas and different rivers under inland waterways authorities. It boosts exports throughout the world for cheap transportation. Ports are the source where every ship comes for many purposes like exporting goods, maintenance, and halt where a particular amount of goods are shipped in specific ports. In this research paper, we use only secondary data find ands how the Sagarmala project is helping to grow the Indian economy through the ports and its connectivity infrastructure development.

The International North-South Transport Corridor: The Prospects and Challenges for Connectivity between Russia and India

Connectivity has been one of the most challenging issues for developing trade cooperation between Russia and India. Due to the geographic distance separating the two nations, along with the unstable security environment in Afghanistan and border disputes between India and Pakistan, the creation of a direct and shortest transport route has proven difficult, thereby rendering it impossible to implement crucial projects in energy infrastructure.This paper briefly outlines the functioning logistics between Russia and India, which has relied primarily on shipping through the Suez Canal, with an emphasis on the developments in the wake of conflict in Ukraine. The author briefly explores the prospects for maritime connectivity between the Russian Far East and Indian ports, and highlights several challenges for launching a regular Vladivostok-Chennai corridor.The US and European sanctions against the Russian economy, combined with subsequent difficulties in transporting goods by sea, has reinvigorated Russia's efforts to complete the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This corridor holds significant potential for Russia to expand its reach to India, the Persian Gulf, and East Africa. Additionally, it is believed that the project may facilitate India's connectivity with countries in the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. Therefore, this paper particularly examines the case of the land corridor, exploring its current progress in implementation, the geoeconomic factors involved, existing challenges, and opportunities for compatibility with other initiatives, such as the Europe-Caucasus-Asia Transport Corridor (TRACECA), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Chabahar port.The author argues that, although the implementation of connectivity projects between the two countries will not solve structural problems in their trade relationship, both have a vested interest in promoting infrastructure development for a deeper engagement with new regions. To qualitatively boost Russian-Indian trade, affordable logistical solutions should be developed simultaneously with the resolution of other issues like the settlements for financial transactions, and the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Impact of Port Infrastructure on Economic Development With Special Reference to Major Ports in India

Seaports are essential to develop maritime transport as they connect markets across nations and domestically, thus contributing to the economic development of the country. Investing in sea ports and improving its infrastructure, facilitates economic growth, particularly in a developing nation. Upgrading port infrastructure may facilitate multimodal transportation and coastal movement of cargo through sea which is considered as a very cost effective mode of transportation compared to other modes of transportation. All the twelve major ports are considered for the study. The aim of the study is to find out how the infrastructure in ports influences the throughput and operating revenue and also to find out, how the ports contribute to the economic development of the country. The author uses Pearson’s coefficient of correlation for finding out the relation between the number of berths, throughput and operating income. The outcome of the study indicates that the major ports infrastructure significantly contributes to the GDP of the country and also generates employment considerably.

The Alternate Modes of Transportation in International Logistics

To study the need for alternate modes of transportation in international logistics in general. To analyse the constraints posed by Indian ports and to evaluate the existing modes of transportation other than major ports. To assess the need for an alternative mode of transportation. To discuss the emerging alternate modes of transportation that are in the pipeline. An exploratory research design is used in the research study. A comprehensive literature review of existing literature, such as the Ministry of Shipping in India or port authorities, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the utilization of capacity in Indian ports, as the latest data on port capacity utilization can provide references or reports to support the claim. Additionally, to review industry reports or publications which may provide insights into the utilization levels of Indian ports. To analyse data released by the Ministry of Commerce, the Director General of Foreign Trade, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. To analyse logistics and transportation-related journals & newspaper articles relating to emerging transportation. Sea transport through major ports has almost reached its full capacity, air transport though fast is expensive, rail transportation is slow, and road transportation, though offers door-to-door service is unreliable. Further, Indian ports have to overcome 2 main constraints, namely the Port and Vessel Constraints. The recent changes in the international logistics sector include Skylon, Space Elevator, Rope Cars, Metrino Butt, Hyperloop, and UR Air Vehicle. Space ay and Ground Way are viable modes of transportation, but the cost and research interest may delay them. A exploratory study to understand the issues in Indian ports, to analyse the need for other modes of transportation such as air, road, outer habour, inland water connectivity, etc, and to explore the other modes of transportation that are in the pipeline and at the research stage. Keywords: alternate modes of transportation, sea & air major ports, minor ports, outer habour, inland connectivity, hyperloop, rope cars, metrino butts, space elevators, space way, ground way

Democracy in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Various naturally occurring neolithic pieces of evidence in the Tutuala caves date back almost 50,000 years and provide strong evidence of an early hunter-gatherer society of small kingdoms with shared clannish marital arrangements and land use. Javanese and some Chinese traders around the 13th century profited from the export and sale of sandalwood, bee honey, honeycombs, and beeswax. Almost 300 years would pass before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th and 17th centuries after the sacking and destruction of Muslim held Malacca. It was the Portuguese conquerors who introduced coffee plantations, cane sugar, and cotton plantations. While the Catholic missionaries from the Portuguese colonies of Goa in India helped spread that faith, most of the primary socio-economic and political activities tended to be littoral by design. In spite of attempts to convert the locals to Catholicism, many of the animistic practices of the Timorese were preserved and remain unchanged till 2023. Compared to Goa and other Indian ports, the early medieval towns and ports of Timor were backward and pre-modern in nature. The intention of this paper is to consider the fact that in the absence of democratic roots in Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, this paper nevertheless highlights the main obstacles for democratic growth in Timor in late modernity by using a seven-question democratic framework.

A comparative study of the productivity and operational efficiency of container terminals of major Indian ports and Srilankan port using DEA (Malmquist index)

The purpose of this study is to compare the operational and technical efficiency of four Indian and one Srilankan Port, comprising of 13 Indian container terminals and 5 Srilankan container terminals. The relative efficiencies of these 18 terminals were analysed over a period of the last six years, starting from FY2013-2014 through FY2018-2019, by comparing the micro level factors contributing to the efficiency of ports. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) using Malmquist index was the methodology chosen for analysis. The study analysed the operational efficiency of the container terminals using a few factors like number of berths, depth of berths, quay cranes, goods handled in each terminal, yard size of container terminal, number of ships handled per container terminal, workforce deployed at each container terminal, and throughput of the terminals. The results exposed the fact that terminal efficiency was largely dependent on the technological changes.

Port investment along the Maritime Silk Road considering mutual selections of the industries planned for transfer and recipient countries with location advantage

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the issues of port investment, considering the mutual selection process of the industries planned for transfer and recipient countries with location advantage, along the Maritime Silk Road (MSR). We propose a method for determining the production scale of different industries in each country by analyzing location advantage, the regional imports of commodities from each recipient country, the import transportation route scheme, the port network structure, and the port investment scheme along the MSR. This method is constructed on the basis of a hub-spoke network model, a location model, and a matching game model. We select 14 countries along the MSR as a case study and treat them as the supply zones of commodities, while six continents are taken as the demand zones. The numerical analysis show that Sihanoukville Port in Cambodia, Port Klang in Malaysia, and Mundra Port in India will become hub ports, and that 81, 41, and 24 container berths will be constructed at each of these harbors, respectively. Whether a port will become a hub depends on the industrial growth potential in its direct hinterland, its geographical advantages in the global shipping network, and its relative spatial relationship to other hub ports.

Impact of COVID-19 on ports, multimodal logistics and transport sector in India: Responses and policy imperatives

The COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly in 2020 and led to full or partial lockdowns worldwide. The restrictions led to most economies contracting in the April–June quarter of 2020. As per the IMF World Economic Outlook of June 2020, the global economy was expected to contract by 4.9% in 2020, whereas the Indian economy was expected to contract by 4.5%, affecting a population of more than 1.3 billion. This led to disruption in the global supply chain network, adversely hitting all modes of transport, including ports and multimodal logistics.Based on the survey results of 98 respondents in the Indian ports, multimodal logistics and transport (“PMT”) sector conducted during the lockdown in May–June 2020, an adverse impact on profitability, employment, operations and capital expenditure was identified, which is consistent with observations from previous economic crises. Additionally, we have estimated the financial impact on different categories of organisations in the industry. Based on these impacts, this study identified key factors required to support the sector and build resilience for the future through technology interventions, developing multimodal transport systems, and providing financial support and employment support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By providing an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the different categories of organisations based on data collected during and shortly after the lockdown, the study makes a novel contribution to understanding the impact of such crises on the PMT industry at a granular level and the aggregate-level impacts with guidance for policy and managers and in particular, in an emerging economy context.

Assessment of Role of Admiralty Courts in India in Protecting Abandoned Seafarers Onboard Vessels in Indian Ports

The present study will discuss the role of admiralty courts in India in protecting abandoned seafarers. Judgments and orders of Admiralty courts are analyzed to decipher the approach adopted by Indian admiralty courts for protecting abandoned seafarers in Indian Ports. Furthermore, it is seen how much time Admiralty Courts in India usually take to judicially auction the vessel in cases where the vessel under arrest has an abandoned crew onboard. Several suggestions are made on how Admiralty courts in India can better protect abandoned seafarers by using the existing legal regime. The study is doctrinal. A significant data source for the study comprises Judgments and orders from Indian Admiralty courts involving abandoned seafarers. In particular, five specific instances where seafarer abandonment was reported on the vessel are assessed, and all of these cases were litigated in the Indian Admiralty court. From work, it can be seen that Admiralty courts in India have played a crucial role in protecting the abandoned seafarers in Indian Ports. Courts have come out as a guardian of seafarers, and it was only due to the intervention of the courts that the seafarers, in numerous cases, were able to recover pending wages, repatriation expenses, and necessities onboard the vessel. Furthermore, it is found from the analysis of case laws that the time the court takes for judicially auctioning the vessel is much longer than the maximum period specified in the Admiralty Act, 2017. From the study, it can be concluded that although Admiralty courts in India have played an important role in protecting abandoned seafarers in Indian ports, still, there is a need for some changes, which include speedy disposal of admiralty litigations in India.

A novel Index-based quantification approach for port performance measurement: a case from Indian major ports

ABSTRACT This paper develops a unified port performance index (PPI) considering different cargo categories and the multi-dimensional nature of port performance indicators/dimensions. This study has used the quintile method to construct PPI. Further, the PPI obtained from the quintile method is compared with weighted unified index (PPI PCA ) using principal component analysis (PCA), extensively used for index development in the literature. A pilot index development is demonstrated using secondary panel data for 12 major Indian ports on five significant dimensions, namely, operations, physical infrastructure, technical infrastructure, finance, and socio-economic. Results show that the JNPT port outperforms all other ports under the container cargo category. Likewise, Kandla port in the liquid port category and Paradip port in the other (dry & break bulk) cargo category are on top. Also, qualitatively similar results and insights are obtained with the PPI PCA . Subsequently, the panel data regression and efficiency analysis are performed to demonstrate the utility of the proposed index. The results affirm that the operations, physical infrastructure, and socio-economic dimensions have a positive and significant impact on port financial performance. The present study operationalises some key unexplored port performance indicators/dimensions that can enable effective decision-making.

Project Green Ports: Are Indian ports on the right track?

ABSTRACT Seaports have evolved with changing technologies to ensure the handling of close to 80 per cent of global trade by volume and 70 per cent by value. As the ports have grown across the world, unabated pollution from numerous activities of ships, ports, industries, and infrastructure development has forced countries to focus on safe, efficient, and sustainable ports by focusing on community development to achieve cleaner harbours, skies, and soil. An effort of the Government of India for major Indian ports in this direction is Project Green Ports. Though the project was initiated in 2016, there is little update available about the project. It is to fill this gap that the article discusses the progress of the major Indian ports towards becoming green ports. In doing so, the article analyses the efforts made and the existing shortcomings to answer whether the Indian ports are on the right track to becoming green ports.

Increased incidence and antimicrobial resistance among Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shellfishes from major fish markets in Cochin, South India: Seafood risk assessment

Abstract India remains as a top supplier of value-added seafoods to the global markets. Cochin is one of the leading fishing ports in India contributing to country’s major seafood export. As part of risk assessment, we analyzed the prevalence of multi-drug resistant Vibrio parahaemolyticus; seafood borne gastroenteritis-causing pathogen, in shellfishes collected from major fish markets in Cochin. This bacterial species was initially isolated on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar and HiCrome™ Vibrio agar, further confirmed by detection of V. parahaemolyticus species-specific toxR gene and by 16S r RNA sequencing. A total of 113 confirmed V. parahaemolyticus were recovered. Almost all the strains exhibited resistance towards three or more antibiotics (multiple-drug resistant) and harbored virulence related exoenzymes especially hemolysin (Kanagawa phenomenon); which is indeed a matter of concern. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of the isolates ranged from 0.21 to 0.57. Furthermore, our results also indicate a substantial increase in the incidence of the pathogen in seafood from the area compared to previous years. This may pose a risk to the local and international consumers of the seafood. Practicing complete hygiene and adequate cooking is strongly recommended. Regular monitoring of aquaculture areas and fish markets is urged to reduce dissemination of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in seafood and to prevent fatal cases of human infection induced by this species in the country.

Vessel Deployment and De-Hubbing in Maritime Networks: A Case Study on Colombo Port and Its Feeder Market

Generally, vessels are deployed as hub-and-spoke networks to achieve high slot utilization and cost efficiency for shipping lines in global maritime container shipping networks. At the Port of Colombo, most transhipment containers originate from and are destined for Indian ports, the export/import container volume of which has been rapidly increasing, and Indian ports have been developed to accommodate vessel enlargement. In such circumstances, the partial or complete abandonment of a hub (Colombo port) in this region is expected, which is known as “de-hubbing.” This study aims to clarify the impact of port developments and an increase in container cargo demand from the source country on maritime network selection from the perspective of shipping lines. We develop a mixed integer linear programming model to describe vessel deployment, including transhipment via the Colombo port and direct shipment in Indian ports. As a result of the analysis, the number of direct services to Indian ports is expected to increase when the cargo demand of Indian ports increases and the port development of Indian ports is conducted. The progress of the de-hubbing phenomenon decreases vessel size at Colombo port because the container demand at Indian ports is mostly satisfied by newly deployed trunk lines to Indian ports. This study suggests that if Colombo port expects to maintain its hub status, it is critical to consider various other incentives to attract and retain mainline carriers in addition to expanding its port infrastructure. Similarly, if India expects to receive direct calls from mainlines, it is important not only to develop their port infrastructure but also to increase their cargo demand.

Port logistic issues and challenges in the Industry 4.0 era for emerging economies: an India perspective

Purpose In Industry 4.0 era, many existing port logistics systems are inconsistent, old and ineffective and it restricts the effective operations of port logistics. The study aims to understand the issues faced by the players/actors of port logistics in the Industry 4.0 era for emerging economies and to develop a conceptual framework for managing the port logistics issues associated with it and by providing their possible solutions.Design/methodology/approach The study is divided into two parts, first part deals with identifying the major port logistics issues in Industry 4.0 era for emerging economies. It is achieved by conducting a semi-structured interview during the field visit to one of the major container handling ports in India. Second, the study adopts Soft System Methodology (SSM) to understand the issues and challenges faced by various actors of port logistics in the Industry 4.0 era and uses CATWOE analysis to identify the root causes.Findings Issues related to loading/unloading, transit, storage (warehouse), customs clearance, regulatory authorities, port management unit and inland transport connection providers are considered in the study and using SSM a final implementable model has been developed. This study focuses on analyzing and understanding the complete communication and organization structure of the port logistics system. The study identifies the major issues, various inefficiencies and root causes faced by various actors of port logistics during information sharing, cargo movement, the arrangement of the cargo shipments, etc. Further, the study develops a final implementable model by combining the delivery system, criteria system and Industry 4.0-enabled system.Research limitations/implications The study enables concerned authorities like state government, central government and policymakers to have a profound understanding of the issues faced by the actors of the port logistics system. The study brings out valuable insights that help managers and stakeholders to make informed decisions for managing the port logistics issues and develop necessary policies aimed to deliver the cargoes in right place at right time. The current study also has some limitations because of sensitivity associated with concerned areas, due to its confidentiality, lack of availability of complete data and the nonsharing attitude of respondents. Further, the study was conducted only for private container shipping terminals and public container terminals were not included.Originality/value This research analyzes the port logistics sector as a whole system through SSM to identify issues and challenges faced by various actors of port logistics for emerging economies in the Industry 4.0 era. The study develops a comprehensive and integrated framework for reducing the unpredictability of costs and time for key processes. Further, the framework creates a transparent platform and helps in bringing standardization to ports.

Measuring Port Performance and Productivity of Major Ports of India

Measuring Port Performance and Productivity of Major Ports of India

Towards a Comprehensive Climate Adaptation Framework for India’s Port Infrastructure and Operations: Lessons from Global Best Practices

The ever-growing impacts of climate change such as extreme heat, more frequent heavy precipitation events, intensifying tropical revolving storms, and sea level rise continue to pose major threats to India’s critical maritime infrastructure. As the country moves towards its ambition of becoming a leading Blue Economy of the world, a wide range of initiatives have been taken by the central and state governments to expand the maritime sector with a specific focus on the transport sector. However, there is little emphasis being paid on protecting the existing and planned seaport infrastructure against the deleterious impacts of climate change. None of the major ports in India have a dedicated climate action strategy and climate adaptation finds no mention in the policy documents pertaining to the maritime transport sector. In this context, this paper aims to highlight the need for a comprehensive, holistic and dynamic climate change adaptation strategy for India’s port infrastructure including support infrastructure and supply chains. The adaptation strategy, at the individual ports’ level and the national level, must be preceded by rigorous risk assessment studies to identify and prioritise the major challenges arising from climate change at the local level. The paper draws upon international best practices in climate risk assessments and adaptation measures to provide a way forward for Indian ports

INDIA'S COAST REGION - THE EASIEST ROUTE FOR CONDUCTING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES - AN UNDERSTANDING

Indian sea route are an easy target for smuggling and conducting of anti-national activities. Mumbai port which is the largest port in India has been a place for terrorism activities since a long time, the 26/attack which is regarded as the deadliest terrorist attack, India has ever experience, the terrorist had enter India through sea port , since 1960s the business of smuggling of gold , drugs and other luxury items is going on between Dubai to Mumbai to Gujarat . Smuggling of items like fuel, textile happening through different states. Illegal fishing is also very common, In fact after the lockdown, many states have brought in new rules and regulation in their fisheries culture /sector, even the government has introduced schemes and is investing a lot . There are many agencies and ministries at the local, state and center to coordinate among different committees and stakeholders and increase the manpower. The eastern and the western coast share their water border with several countries which support criminal activities in the region. Most of the illegal migrant enter India and leave India through these ports for instances cases of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. India needs to strengthen its coastal security across the country. Keywords: Coastal security, sea roots, smuggling, drug trafficking, fisheries sector, 26/11 attack