PSA BDP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd. (Dow India), announcing a first-of-its-kind sustainable transport solution in India.
In a statement, PSA BDP said it will deploy electric trucks for import and export container trucking via PSA International's (PSA) Mumbai, Ameya and additional terminals to Dow India's facilities beginning in 2024.
The trucks will be powered by PSA Mumbai's 6.25MW Open Access Solar Plant, which is expected to be commissioned later in 2023.
PSA BDP noted that this new zero-emission transportation solution is unique to the Indian market and will create an integrated and eco-friendly combination of services from PSA BDP that delivers greater optionality and connectivity for Dow India and other PSA BDP customers who are seeking more sustainable solutions.
"With the shipping and transportation industry focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, corporations worldwide are engaging in more sustainable actions and initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint along the supply chain," the provider of the globally integrated and port-centric supply chain, transportation, and logistics solutions, added.
Gearing up for the launch of this new transport solution, PSA BDP noted that it has invested in a fleet of electric trucks from a leading EV truck producer in the region to be used for this initiative and other customer collaborations.
The trucks can carry a fully loaded container up to 200 kilometres, resulting in an annual carbon emissions reduction of over 300 tonnes compared to their diesel counterparts.
The investment further demonstrates PSA BDP's aim to be an industry leader committed to delivering innovative and sustainable port and cargo solutions.
"In our continuous pursuit of a sustainable future, we are proud to join forces with like-minded partners. We are delighted to extend our full support to ensure the achievement and success of this endeavour. Such actions will serve as an impetus towards accomplishing our greater vision for a sustainable tomorrow," said Siddhartha Ghosal, research & development and technical services & development director, Dow India.
Manika Bhargava, country logistics leader, Dow India, noted that the path to net-zero emissions is a journey possible through several actions and contributions from every stakeholder of the ecosystem.
"By supporting such strategic initiatives, we intend to contribute towards creating a space where our logistics service providers can make a difference towards the larger goal and set a path for others to follow," she said.
Pavithran Mkallada, managing director - India, PSA BDP, said: "We are extremely grateful to Dow India for their support in this pioneering solution to achieve emissions reduction targets."
"By leveraging the collective strengths and assets of the PSA Group, we have created a unique zero-emission solution that complements our current eco-friendly rail and intermodal solutions in India for sustainable connectivity. We look forward to working closely with Dow and other valued customers to optimize this offering while simultaneously developing additional opportunities to enhance logistics flows."
Sanjay Sethi, IAS, chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) said JNPA is pleased to see this renewable power initiative by PSA BDP and PSA Mumbai that provides enhanced sustainable transport solutions for port users.
"We are energized to see major shippers lending their early support of this critical project, the first of its kind for ports here in India. JNPA is committed to partnering with forward-thinking organizations like PSA BDP and PSA as we seek to foster leadership in sustainability and create value for trade," Sethi added.
"We also aim to contribute to the principles of Blue Economy and Maritime India Vision 2030, and of course, through our Green Port initiative," he said, noting that JNPA teams will be working closely with PSA Mumbai and other interested stakeholders through measures such as green lane priority access to the terminals for electric vehicles to encourage the expanded growth of sustainable products.
