IFC commits $70 million to power ships at Jawaharlal Nehru Port with shore electricity

The International Finance Corporation will invest $70 million in a shore power supply system for Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority's terminals, enabling ships to switch off diesel engines while berthed. Described as India's first blue-financing framework for maritime infrastructure, the initiative aims to slash carbon emissions by 63% and reduce air pollution by up to 90%, while creating over 400 jobs. It is the first labelled blue-financing project for port infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific and aligns with the Indian Ports Act, 2025, and the Maritime India Vision 2030.

Port officials say the demonstration will provide a proof-of-concept for scaling shore power across other Indian ports and emerging markets. The technology has not yet been deployed at commercial scale in India, and the long-term financing is intended to mitigate early-stage commercial risks. The project also supports the development of JNPA's Sustainable Finance Framework to attract further green and blue capital.