The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) Chairperson, Dr N Vinodkumar, announced that the port aims to become fully solar-powered within the next two years. This initiative is part of their commitment to the green initiative for the blue economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry. The MPA will be signing an agreement with an agency to enhance solar power generation at the port, especially with the upcoming international cruise terminal scheduled to be operational by the end of December 2023.
During the Seafarers Day event organized by the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI), Chairperson Vinodkumar assured the seafaring community that the MPA would consider the proposal to establish a seafarers club at the port. He also expressed his willingness to act as a mediator between the seafaring community and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways or the Director General of Shipping to address their concerns.
Vinodkumar emphasized that the shipping industry is responsible for approximately three percent of greenhouse gas emissions and highlighted the need for the industry to take action to minimize its environmental impact. He mentioned the Green Port policy, which advocates for various initiatives at all ports in the country to reduce carbon emissions.
Regarding the MPA’s green initiatives, Vinodkumar outlined their plans to make the port a solar-powered port within two years. Additionally, they have devised strategies to increase solar power generation at the port, including supplying solar power to ships that call at the MPA port. Currently, this provision is available for Naval and coast guard vessels, and in the future, they aim to provide power from the shore to ships once issues related to frequency conversion are resolved.
During the event, Independent Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco promised to raise the issue of the delayed notification of the permanent pension scheme for retired seafarers and widows in the upcoming Assembly session. He commended the Goan seafaring community for their contributions to global sea trade and the local economy through remittances.
Several seafarers were felicitated at the event for their significant contributions to the seafaring industry. Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Narendra Sawaikar, acknowledged the Goan seafaring community’s role in the development of both the local and national economy. He also praised the GSAI for their efforts in addressing the challenges faced by seafarers since its establishment a decade ago.Ma
