Kolkata Dock debuts electric mobile cranes in green port push

SMP Kolkata Deploys Electric Cranes at Netaji Subhas Dock in Major Green Push

Kolkata, 2 July (H.S.): In a major step towards eco-friendly port operations, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, has introduced two electric-powered Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) at Netaji Subhas Dock for the first time. This move marks a significant shift from traditional fossil fuel-driven cargo handling to greener, energy-efficient alternatives.

The electric cranes were installed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), raising the total number of Mobile Harbour Cranes at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) to six. This initiative is part of SMP Kolkata’s broader commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency.

SMP Chairman Rathendra Raman hailed the development as a game-changer for port operations. “These electric MHCs represent a critical step in our transition to sustainable practices. Their deployment will boost Kolkata’s position as a green container hub on the eastern coast, improve handling efficiency, and drastically reduce emissions,” he said.

To ensure uninterrupted operation of the electric cranes, a robust high-capacity power supply system is being installed at the dock.

During FY 2024–25, KDS handled around 619,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). With the addition of the new cranes, the port expects this figure to rise to 750,000 TEUs in FY 2025–26, reflecting a significant increase in capacity.

This development follows an earlier announcement of a ₹569.85 crore investment (excluding GST) by Adani Ports to modernize cargo handling infrastructure at the dock. As part of the agreement, APSEZ has been awarded a five-year contract to operate and maintain container handling operations across five berths at Netaji Subhas Dock.

The deployment of electric MHCs represents a milestone in SMP Kolkata’s journey toward sustainability, aligning with national and global goals for cleaner logistics and greener port ecosystems.