Major container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), plans to foray overseas as a port and container terminal operator, subject to Government approval, a senior JNPT official said.
"We plan to expand our operations abroad as a port and terminal operator, subject to Government approval," the official said on strict condition of anonymity. JNPT was evaluating opportunities in southern Africa and Latin America, he said.
The port has already held discussions with several parties, including Italian and Canadian entities, to evaluate the feasibility of jointly setting up a greenfield port, he said. JNPT will provide the necessary technical skills to establish and run an overseas port facility in the initial stages for which it would earn a royalty and other fees. At a later stage, it may invest in these ventures, he said.
The plan for evaluating foreign opportunities is subject to necessary approvals from the Shipping Ministry. The opportunity to expand overseas would enable the port to acquire a global footprint.
Besides, the port has also undertaken initiatives to become country's first 'green port.
"We have undertaken initiatives to become the country's first green port. The Rs 500 crore initiative involves setting up wind and solar power units, usage of CNG vehicles in the port area, water harvesting and forestation, among others," the official said.