Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday hailed the transformation of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority into a national model for sustainable maritime development, highlighting its significant achievements in decarbonisation, renewable energy adoption, digital innovation and social infrastructure.
Speaking at a series of events held at the port, Sonowal said VOC Port has emerged as one of India’s leading examples of environmentally responsible infrastructure development, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for modern, sustainable and future-ready growth.
The Minister cited findings from the port’s first Sustainability Report, which revealed that renewable energy now offsets nearly 94 per cent of the port’s energy-consumption equivalent. The report also highlighted a reduction of around 45 per cent in net carbon emissions, while carbon intensity per tonne of cargo has nearly halved over the past four years.
“VOC Port is demonstrating what can be achieved when infrastructure development is guided by sustainability, innovation and community welfare. These achievements represent an important milestone in India’s journey towards greener and more responsible maritime growth,” Sonowal said.
Kendriya Vidyalaya Dedicated to the Nation
A major highlight of the event was the launch of academic activities at Kendriya Vidyalaya VOC Port for the 2026–27 academic session.
Established with the approval of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, the school will initially operate from the Port School campus and provide CBSE education to children of port employees, central government staff and local residents.
Emphasising the importance of education in nation-building, Sonowal said quality education remains one of the most effective tools for social transformation and long-term development. He noted that the new institution would strengthen educational infrastructure in the Tuticorin region while expanding access to affordable and high-quality schooling.
Green Hydrogen Transition Documented
The Minister also released an academic case study prepared by Indian Institute of Management Calcutta titled “The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.”
The study chronicles the port’s evolution from a conventional cargo-handling facility into a hub for sustainable maritime operations and green energy. It highlights several pioneering initiatives, including renewable energy integration, electrification of port operations and India’s first green hydrogen pilot project at a major port.
Recognition as Scope-2 Emission-Free Port
Further strengthening its green credentials, VOC Port received recognition as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, acknowledging its successful transition towards clean-energy-powered operations.
The certification validates the port’s efforts to reduce indirect emissions associated with electricity consumption and reinforces its position among India’s most environmentally progressive ports.
New Partnership for Maritime Research and Skills
In another key development, VOC Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to collaborate on research, innovation, logistics education, skill development and sustainable port management.
The partnership is expected to support the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management, while enhancing industry-academia collaboration and workforce development in the maritime sector.
PortGPT Mobile App Launched
Sonowal also launched the PortGPT mobile application, making VOC Port the first major port in the country to extend an enterprise-grade generative artificial intelligence platform through a dedicated mobile app.
The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency, knowledge management and data-driven decision-making while supporting the port’s long-term digital transformation goals.
Senior officials, including Vijay Kumar and Susanta Kumar Purohit, were present during the event.
