Mumbai Port Authority has declared its Jawahar Dweep Marine Oil Terminal a plastic-free facility, making it the first oil terminal in India to eliminate single-use plastics.
The declaration was made during the Swachhata Abhiyan 2026 programme held at Grey Gate, Indira Dock, Mumbai, on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal led the programme in the presence of Mumbai Port Authority Chairperson Dr M. Angamuthu and Deputy Chairman Ravish Kumar Singh.
The plastic-free status is part of Mumbai Port Authority’s broader efforts to reduce single-use plastic across its operations. The authority has also committed to extending such measures to its docks, residential colonies and coastal areas during the year.
Jawahar Dweep is one of Mumbai Port’s key marine oil terminals and handles crude oil and petroleum products. The terminal currently has five jetties. Its fifth jetty, JD5, was completed in December 2020 and has a length of 470 metres and a designed draft of 17 metres. It can accommodate vessels carrying up to 1,50,000 tonnes of cargo.
The terminal is also supported by automated systems for liquid bulk handling. Mumbai Port Authority has installed SCADA and PLC automation systems at its Marine Oil Terminal, forming part of the port’s efforts to improve operational control and safety. The authority’s marine oil terminals handled 37.04 million metric tonnes of liquid bulk cargo during FY 2025-26.
At the Swachhata Abhiyan programme, Sonowal highlighted the importance of cleanliness and waste management in port operations and appreciated the efforts of Mumbai Port Authority and its sanitation workforce. He also felicitated the port’s Safai Karmis for their contribution to maintaining cleanliness and supporting smooth port operations.
The minister also dedicated the port’s Oil Spill Response (OSR) facilities to the nation. These facilities are designed to support preparedness and response to marine oil pollution incidents involving petroleum products and other hazardous liquids.
A cleanliness drive was subsequently carried out at several locations within the port, including the area south of 18ID, OSR facilities, the sea-cleaning area, the wharf at BPX North Area and the mooring staff toilet facility.
Mumbai Port Authority has been undertaking several infrastructure and environmental initiatives alongside its cargo operations. These include shore protection and reclamation at Jawahar Dweep, a proposed sixth oil berth and development of additional crude oil storage capacity.
The port authority has also been expanding its green initiatives. Around 57% of Mumbai Port’s electricity requirement is currently met through renewable energy, while rooftop solar projects, biofuel blending trials and green tug initiatives are among the measures being pursued to reduce the environmental footprint of port operations.
The plastic-free declaration at Jawahar Dweep adds another component to Mumbai Port Authority’s ongoing efforts to integrate waste reduction and environmental practices into its day-to-day operations.