In a significant move to bolster India’s maritime infrastructure, the UAE-based NMDC Group PJSC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). This agreement entails an investment of ₹21,000 crore for the development of the Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra.
Strategic Partnership Details
The MoU was formalized between Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman of JNPA and Chief Managing Director of Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL), and Yasser Zaghloul, Chief Executive Officer of NMDC Group PJSC. This collaboration focuses on the development of offshore land at the Vadhvan coast, encompassing activities such as dredging, land reclamation, and shore protection.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Unmesh Sharad Wagh stated, “The MoU between JNPA and NMDC Group PJSC is a significant step towards developing Vadhvan Port as a world-class maritime hub. This collaboration brings global expertise to one of India’s most ambitious port projects, ensuring its strategic and sustainable development.”
Project Overview
Vadhvan Port, located near Dahanu in Palghar district, Maharashtra, is poised to become India’s 13th major port. The project is being executed through VPPL, a special purpose vehicle with JNPA holding a 74% equity stake and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) owning the remaining 26%.
The port is designed as an all-weather, deep-draft facility, capable of accommodating large vessels. Upon completion, it is expected to handle a cargo capacity of 298 million metric tonnes annually, including 23.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The first phase of the project is slated for completion by 2029.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
The development plan for Vadhvan Port includes the construction of nine container terminals, each measuring 1,000 meters in length, four multipurpose berths, four liquid cargo berths, a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) berth, and a Coast Guard berth. Additionally, the project involves reclaiming approximately 1,448 hectares of land from the sea and building a 10.14 km offshore breakwater.
Strategically positioned, Vadhvan Port will serve a vast hinterland encompassing Maharashtra, Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh, and northern Indian states. Its proximity to major highways, such as the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway (NH-8) and the upcoming Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway, will facilitate seamless connectivity, enhancing trade and economic activities in the region.
NMDC Group PJSC’s Role
Formerly known as the National Marine Dredging Company, NMDC Group PJSC is renowned for its expertise in engineering, marine dredging, procurement, and construction. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the company operates extensively across the Middle East and beyond. Its commitment to the Vadhvan Port project underscores its dedication to contributing to India’s maritime growth and infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The partnership between JNPA and NMDC Group PJSC marks a pivotal advancement in India’s port infrastructure. The Vadhvan Port project is set to transform the maritime landscape, positioning India as a formidable player in global trade and commerce.
