First of all history, Kolkata Port has launched night navigation for all-weather ship movement

Netaji Subhas Pier in SMP, Kolkata enters Netaji Subhas Pier. File photo.

In the first place, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK), one of India’s oldest major river ports, introduced its night navigation capability in the upper reaches of the Hogley River in West Bengal on Saturday (May 3, 2025), covering the extension from Budge Budge to Bengal Bay.

This is expected to significantly increase port efficiency and trade volume by allowing more ships to enter and leave the port.

Early Saturday morning, SMPK authorities operated the system through the successful girl's night transport of container ship MV Sinar Penida. The ship (total length of 117 meters, draft 6.0 meters) successfully loaded 8,000 tons of cargo into the Bay of Bengal at night.

SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman called the release “historic” and noted that the system “will significantly improve operational efficiency and turnover time, paving the way for enhanced trade throughput.”

SMPK Chief Public Relations Officer Sanjay Mukherjee told Hindu“The climax in the Hogley River promotes the movement of ships. Historically, without nighttime action, we can only take advantage of daytime climax. Now, we can also take advantage of nighttime climax, allowing us to handle more ships and cargo every day.”

Mr Mukherjee added that the program follows a comprehensive research and roadmap conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras National Technology Centre (NTCPWC) and cooperates with the Port of Antwerp, Belgium.

SMPK's new night system relies on an upgraded navigation infrastructure, including track lights, bus lights and illuminated channel buoys, and is complemented by electronic auxiliary equipment such as electronic charts.

Additionally, the navigation simulator, jointly installed by IIT Madras and Applied International, will support pilot training and real-time scenario analysis.

SMPK Vice Chairman Samrat Rahi noted that 24/7 navigation allows the port to handle higher numbers of ships and help eliminate river channels.

Mr Rahi added: “This strategic enhancement promises to make SMPK a more attractive and competitive hub for global transportation lines.”