IFC Proposes $70 Million Shore Power Project Loan to India's JN Port

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has approved a loan of up to $70 million to India's Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for the construction of shore power infrastructure in the port area. According to IFC's latest project disclosure, the financing was approved on August 5 and remained in "pending signing" status as of September 2, with funds intended for the construction of the shore power system in two phases over the next 2 to 3 years.

The project is planned to cover multiple existing container terminals at JNPA, with construction content including 33 kV substations, cable systems, modular electrical stations, frequency converters, and shore power connection facilities at multiple berths. Phase one will prioritize coverage of one container terminal, while phase two will extend to the remaining relevant terminals in the port area. JNPA plans to implement the construction through EPC contractors, with arrangements for 3 to 5 years of subsequent maintenance, while terminal operators assume responsibility for system operations.

JNPA has previously completed the detailed project report for the shore power project and engaged a project management consulting firm. According to official port disclosures, the shore power facilities are intended to cover terminals other than the liquid bulk terminal, with total project investment of approximately 6.5 billion rupees, scheduled for completion by January 2028. The port area currently has 220 kV dual-circuit power supply conditions and provides electricity to various terminals through multiple main transformers.

This year, JNPA also signed a cooperation arrangement with REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, under which the latter will provide project management consulting services for shore power expansion at terminals including NSFT, NSICT, BMCT, and NSIGT. The port area has also commenced construction of shore power facilities at the tugboat berth and is advancing pilot tenders for shore power for arriving vessels.

According to the implementation plan disclosed by IFC, after the shore power system is put into operation, berthed vessels with compatible interfaces can shut down their onboard auxiliary engines and instead draw power from the onshore grid. IFC estimates that after both phases of the project are fully operational, the annual electricity consumption of berthed vessels can reach approximately 119,000 MWh. The next substantive milestone is the formal signing of the loan agreement and the subsequent finalization of EPC construction arrangements.