Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbanada Sonowal attends JNPA's celebration of 37 years of service to the nation through maritime excellence

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbanada Sonowal attends JNPA's celebration of 37 years of service to the nation through maritime excellence Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates JNPA’s AI-driven tender evaluation engine NIVIDA and iVTS system

Posted On: 30 MAY 2026 11:26AM by PIB Mumbai Mumbai, 30 May 2026 Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) celebrated its 37th Foundation Day in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in Mumbai on Friday (29th May, 2026).

JNPA’s corporate film showcasing the port’s journey, achievements, infrastructure capabilities, sustainability initiatives, and future vision was screened on the occasion. The celebration was followed by an Award Ceremony, where JNPA stakeholders were felicitated by the Union Shipping Minister for their exceptional contribution as JNPA achieved its highest-ever container throughput of 8.17 million TEUs in the financial year 2025-26, registering a robust 11.94% growth. JNPA also marked the highest ever overall throughput of 102 MMT signifying their dedicated service towards the port’s growth and operational excellence.

Union Minister Shri Sonowal also inaugurated JNPA’s newest innovation—NIVIDA, on the occasion. Developed by JNPA in collaboration with AI Transmute Solutions, NIVIDA is India’s first AI-driven tender evaluation engine. The Indigenous Vessel Traffic Services (iVTS) system was also inaugurated, marking a significant step towards strengthening indigenous maritime technology capabilities through its installation, management, and training initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “On this proud occasion of the 37th Foundation Day, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire JNPA family, its leadership, officers, employees, workers, and stakeholders, for their dedication and contribution to the nation’s growth story. What is truly commendable about JNPA is its continuous pursuit of transformation and improvement. The MoUs being exchanged today and the inauguration of new technologies and initiatives are a reflection of this progressive mindset. In a sector where precision, speed, and adaptability are critical, even focus on incremental advancements have the potential to create significant impact across the entire maritime and logistics ecosystem." Shri Sonowal further said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector is witnessing unprecedented growth and modernisation through landmark initiatives that remain essential in achieving India’s vision of becoming a global maritime powerhouse. I am confident that JNPA will continue to set new benchmarks in operational efficiency, sustainability, innovation, and customer-centric services in the years ahead.”The Foundation Day celebration also witnessed the signing and exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), reinforcing JNPA’s commitment towards infrastructure development, innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration. One MoU was signed between JNPA and CSIR- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) for environmental planning, assessment, pollution control, climate resilience and ESG initiatives.

This MoU establishes a framework for institutional engagement between the JNPA and CSIR- NEERI to support sustainable and environmentally compliant port development.

Another MoU was signed between JNPA and Commissioner of Customs (General), Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH) for safe, scientific, environmentally compliant and time-bound destruction of perishable cargo through in-situ biodegradation/composting/biogas processes.

This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the JNPA and JNCH for efficient disposal of such cargo in compliance with statutory and environmental norms.

An MoU was signed between JNPA and Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) for the development of EV Charging Stations and Battery Swapping Stations (BSS) within JNPA premises, including promotion of electric mobility, sustainable logistics, and green infrastructure.

Other important collaboration took place between JNPA and REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited through MoU for Providing Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services for extension of Shore Power Supply system at NSFT, NSICT, BMCT and NSIGT terminals atJNPA. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) also signed an MoU with JNPA for Implementation of energy efficiency, solar power projects, BESS, lighting systems, and related infrastructure across JNPA buildings, ports, and colonies through PMC mode.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) has associated with JNPA thorugh MoU for the development of collaborative solutions for the port and maritime sector, including modelling, simulation, dredging, navigation, monitoring systems, digital twins, Just –In-Time (JIT), iVTS and related indigenous technologies for JNPA and allied maritime facilities.

JNPA Chairperson, Shri Gaurav Dayal said, JNPA will continue to shape not just maritime growth but the broader trajectory of India’s development journey in the decades ahead.

Several stakeholders from the maritime, logistics, trade, and port community also conveyed their wishes and appreciation on the occasion, acknowledging JNPA’s contribution towards strengthening India’s maritime sector and economic growth.

The event concluded with the felicitation of the JNPA employess and a vote of thanks presented by Dy. Chairperson, JNPA, Shri Ravish Kumar Singh, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, board member, stakeholders, employees, and all associated partners for their continued support and participation in JNPA’s remarkable journey. In line with the guidance of the Government of India during the prevailing Middle East situation, JNPA ensured that the event and associated activities were conducted with utmost responsibility, adhering strictly to all prescribed rules, protocols, and regulatory guidelines.

* * * PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/Darshana Rane

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