VISAKHAPATNAM

The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has achieved a major sustainability milestone by securing the ‘L2 Green Port’ accreditation from the Centre of Excellence on ESG & Circularity.

The national-level certification recognises the major port’s structured initiatives in environmental protection, energy transition, sustainable infrastructure development, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The Green Port assessment evaluates maritime hubs on stringent parameters, including carbon emission reduction, waste management frameworks, renewable energy penetration, and ecological conservation. VPA successfully qualified for the L2 rating following an independent third-party verification of its environmental performance.

Renewable energy, green cover

Among its key interventions, VPA stands out as the first major port in the country to meet its entire power requirement through solar energy, achieving 100% green power utilisation. To augment the region’s ecological infrastructure, the port authority is currently executing a massive ‘One Million Plantation Drive’ scheduled between 2024 and 2027.

To mitigate industrial pollution and manage water resources, the port operates a 10-million-litres-per-day (MLD) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) alongside two Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) with a capacity of 400 kilolitres per day (KLD). The recycled water is deployed back into operations for dust suppression across cargo handling yards and internal port roads.

Dust suppression

VPA has also accelerated its mechanisation and clean-energy transitions by achieving 95% railway electrification within its network. Additional anti-pollution measures include the deployment of shore-to-ship power supply systems, the modernisation of existing berths, and the construction of covered storage sheds designed specifically for handling dusty bulk cargo.

In an effort to prevent urban marine pollution, the port cleared 1,398 metric tonnes of floating waste from city drains entering the harbor waters. Furthermore, VPA invests approximately ₹20 crore annually on a dedicated Beach Nourishment Programme along the city’s coastline to combat severe beach erosion.

On the social front, the port authority has sanctioned ₹7.23 crore toward CSR initiatives focusing on public education, skill development, and healthcare, out of which ₹4.31 crore has already been disbursed. Port officials also highlighted a recent contribution of ₹1 crore made to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to support flood rehabilitation efforts in Vijayawada.