New Delhi: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has emerged as a model for sustainable maritime development after reducing its net carbon emissions by around 45 percent through renewable energy adoption and green infrastructure initiatives.
The minister dedicated several sustainability, education and innovation projects at the port and highlighted findings from the port’s first sustainability report. He said renewable energy now offsets nearly 94 percent of the port’s energy-consumption equivalent. As a result, carbon intensity per tonne of cargo has nearly halved during the past four years.
Sonowal said VOC Port sustainability initiatives reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of creating modern, environmentally responsible and future-ready infrastructure. He added that the port had successfully combined infrastructure growth with community welfare and technological advancement.
The minister also launched academic activities for the 2026-27 session at Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port. Initially, the school will function from the Port School campus and provide CBSE education to children of port employees, Central government staff and local residents.
According to Sonowal, quality education remains a key driver of social transformation. Therefore, the new institution will expand access to affordable and high-quality education in Tuticorin.
VOC Port sustainability strengthened through green hydrogen and digital innovation
The minister released an IIM Calcutta case study that documented the port’s transformation into a green energy and sustainable maritime hub. The study highlighted renewable energy projects, electrification efforts and India’s first green hydrogen pilot project at a major port.
Moreover, VOC Port received recognition as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port. The certification acknowledged the port’s transition to clean energy and validated its decarbonisation efforts.
The port also signed a memorandum of understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. The partnership will promote research, logistics education, skill development and sustainable port operations. In addition, it aims to establish a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management.
Meanwhile, Sonowal launched the PortGPT mobile application. The platform makes VOC Port the first major Indian port to offer an enterprise-grade generative artificial intelligence application through a dedicated mobile platform. The app is expected to improve operational efficiency, knowledge management and data-driven decision-making.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Vijay Kumar, VOCPA Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit and other senior officials attended the event.
