IFC To Provide $70 Million Loan To JN Port For Shore Power Project

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has agreed to provide a $70 million loan to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) for installing shore power infrastructure at its terminals.

The financing, equivalent to around ₹670 crore, will help JNPA set up shore power supply (SPS) systems that allow ships to use electricity from the grid while berthed instead of running their diesel engines.

The 10-year, US dollar-linked external commercial borrowing (ECB) loan was signed in New Delhi on 24 September, according to officials. The borrowing does not carry a sovereign guarantee.

JNPA and IFC have not yet formally announced the transaction.

Shore Power To Cut Emissions At JN Port

Under the project, ships will be able to switch off their onboard diesel engines while at berth and connect to land-based electricity.

The infrastructure is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 63% and cut air pollution by up to 90%. The project is also expected to create more than 400 jobs.

JNPA is expected to become the first Indian port to deploy shore power technology on a commercial scale.

First Blue Financing For Indian Maritime Sector

The financing is described as India's first blue financing transaction in the maritime sector and the first such financing for port infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. The project is aligned with the Blue Finance guidelines introduced under the Indian Ports Act, 2025.

It also marks the first investment by a development finance institution in India's state-owned major ports and the first commercial borrowing undertaken by a port authority, according to officials.

The long-term IFC financing is expected to provide a model for funding similar shore power projects at other Indian ports.

Project Fits India's Green Port Push

The shore power project is part of India's broader effort to reduce emissions from port operations. The government's Maritime India Vision 2030 includes cleaner and more sustainable port infrastructure among its objectives.

The Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines also focus on cutting pollution and reducing the use of conventional fuels at ports.

For JNPA, the immediate change will be at the terminal itself. Ships will be able to draw electricity from the shore while they are berthed instead of keeping their diesel generators running. The IFC funding will support the infrastructure needed to make that possible across the port's terminals.

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