Indian ports require sustainable technology, says Judovits
Tel Aviv-based ECOncrete sees huge potential for the development of green projects under India’s Sagarmala programme covering more than 70 ports, hundreds of jetties, national waterways, and the prevention of erosion threats to densely populated 7,500 km of coastline.
“There is a huge potential for green projects in the Indian marine sector such as infrastructure developments in more than 70 ports and hundreds of jetties,” according to ECOncrete Chief Commercial Officer Michal Judovits.
“As much as 70% of coastal and marine infrastructure is concrete based,” said Judovits. ECOncrete’s technology can be implemented to ecologically uplift standard concrete marine projects and benefit the structures as well as the marine environment.
“Implementation of our technology more than doubles marine biodiversity. Also, the structures develop a carbon sink that actively sequesters CO2 from the water,” she said, describing the technology as mimicking natural shoreline habitats.
“Our approach consists of three components, born out of extensive research, that work together to reduce the environmental impact of infrastructure and promote biodiversity,” she said on the side-lines of OSEA held 15-17 Nov 2022.
“We created a chemically balanced, life-enabling Admix made from industrial by-products, and we design agents, liners, and coatings that enable larvae settlement as opposed to the inhospitable surface texture of traditional concrete. Lastly, we use nature-based design principles in our molds and mold-inserts to maximize surface area to create shelter and breeding spaces.”
“Given that the government is pursuing green infrastructure, constructing with ecological technology has the potential to bridge development and sustainability goals,” she said.
Judovits has worked internationally with multi-nationals including Maersk for over a decade and has an in-depth understanding of the marine sector.
Ports in India require sustainable technology, and the discussions at COP27 made it clear that global standards on using concrete in coastal and marine projects are developing, she pointed out.
She applauds the recently announced large scale green programmes in India and noted the successful implementation of renewable energy projects.
“More and more global technologists are now focused on the large scale of opportunities in India, and we have positioned ECOncrete to be part of infrastructure developments under the Sagarmala projects,” she stressed.
ECOncrete will work on projects in India starting next year and will use their unique knowledge of the marine construction industry to transform how India’s waterfronts look and function. fiinews.com
