IAPH led the Collaboration of Chennai and Kamarajar Ports with SIX Japanese Ports to Enhance Global Maritime Excellence
CHENNAI : Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) and Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL), in association with IAPH, Tokyo successfully hosted a three day knowledge exchange program with six major ports from Japan.
The program brought together senior leadership teams from prominent Japanese ports, including Tomakomai, Osaka, Kobe, Tokyo, Yokohama, and Nagoya, as well as two Japanese universities, Kyoto and Kanagawa. The 15-member delegation, led by Dr. Masahiko Furuichi, Secretary General of IAPH, included esteemed senior maritime leaders, Dr. Inchimo Motono, Senior Executive Director of Yokohama Port Corporation & Vice President of IAPH, Asia, Mr. Sanada Hitoshi, President of North Japan Port Consultancy Pvt Ltd, and Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, Regional Director of IAPH India.
The knowledge exchange program focused on key areas, including:
- Decarbonisation:
- Climate and Energy:
- Digitalization:
- Risk Resilience of Ports:
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Sunil Paliwal IAS, Chairman of Chennai Port & KPLand IPA, who emphasized the importance of global collaboration in driving India’s maritime growth. “This initiative aligns perfectly with the Prime Minister’s vision of Amritkaal India 2047, where India aims to become a developed nation, not only in terms of economy but also as a global maritime nation,” he said.
Ms. Irene Cynthia IAS, MD of KPL, shared the best practices of KPL on efficiency and cargo growth, achieved with a significantly lean team of about 100 plus direct employees, compared to the industry average of 1000 employees for similar volumes in age old ports, which is a reflection of a modern port in India.
Mr. S. Vishwanathan IAS, Dy. Chairman of Chennai Port Authority, highlighted the strong bilateral relations between India and Japan, with an annual trade of $26 billion. Japan exports $18 billion worth of goods to India, while India exports $8 billion to Japan.
This collaboration will provide opportunities for both countries maritime sectors development, leveraging the growing bilateral trade between Japan and India, said Mr. Sanada Hitoshi, President, North Japan Port Consultancy Pvt. Ltd.
Indian and Japanese ports is expected to enhance their competitiveness and sustainability, paving the way for a new era of cooperation and growth in the maritime sector, benefiting both India and Japan as remarked by Dr Ichio Motono, Sr Executive Director, Yokohama Port Corporation, Japan.
Maritime trade is a key driver of economic growth, and collaborations like this India-Japan ports initiative are timely and crucial. As India marches towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, such partnerships will play a vital role in facilitating international trade and fueling growth, said Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, Regional Director of IAPH, India, who spearheaded this initiative.