Krishnapatnam Port Wins Big at CII EHS Awards

Krishnapatnam Port has been recognized as an engine driving the economic growth in Andhra Pradesh and as a port that sets new efficiency and operational benchmarks in the Indian port sector. Beyond such efficient operational and economic considerations, it was always the focused drive of Krishnapatnam that is leading to a ‘Sustainable and Inclusive’ growth of the region. KPCL being a National asset, strongly believes that its contribution is not only towards the economic growth of the country but also in improving standards of living of the Society and be a change agent in protecting the environment through sustainable practices, which are well beyond the statutory requirements. This core belief and sustainable practices of KPCL were recognized by India’s renowned industrial body – CII at its SR Excellence Awards for 2015-16 held in Chennai on 8th July 2016.

Krishnapatnam Port won two awards including the First place in EHS Practices under the Infrastructure Sector category among almost 120 participating companies. EHS activities at the port has always played a pivotal role in projecting it as a Green and a Safe Port. Its EHS programs encourage continuous improvement in environmental protection by including aspects such as Waste management, Water management, Pollution control, Resource conservation, Best management practices and usage of Renewable resources. Such philosophy has led to port being certified in

•ISO14001:2004 - Environment Management System

•OHSAS 18001:2007 - Occupational Health & Safety Management System

“Environmental sustainability and socially inclusive growth has always been the core belief of Krishnapatnam Port apart from providing operational efficiencies par excellence and playing a catalyst in the economic development of the region”, asserts Mr Jithendra Nimmagadda, COO of Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal (KPCT) and the Head of EHS department at the port. Due to such sustainable operations, port is always at the forefront in creating operational milestones. In one such instance, KPCT recently set a new Crane productivity record by surpassing its earlier record when 420 TEU were exchanged in vessel M.V. Hyundai Progress on 22nd May 2016. This vessel witnessed the highest crane productivity of 51.0 moves per hour surpassing its earlier record of 48.6 moves per hour.

The Port is currently in its eighth year of operations and has always focused on environmentally sustainable growth. Some of the salient features of such sustainable growth are:

•Planting 2.6 million saplings with a target of 10 million

•Focus on renewable power by using almost 60% of wind power for its requirements

•Recycling of water through STP and its usage for green belt

•Rain water harvesting

•Working towards its target of becoming carbon neutral by year 2020

•Protection & development of mangroves

•Mechanized cargo handling system for reduction of fugitive emissions

•Strict safety norms and internal audits

•Monitoring, review and correction mechanisms

Krishnapatnam Port’s unstinted commitment towards creating suitable climate leading to better productivity can be seen in its EHS structured programs which encourage continuous improvement by following best management practices in promoting 4R`s – ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover’. Port believes that its role extends far beyond its own premises and by reaching out to the communities, societies and nearby industrial region it has facilitated in achieving a fine balance between development, social welfare and environment upgradation.