Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, on February 23 inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth over ₹1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The projects mark a significant expansion in infrastructure, renewable energy integration and digital modernisation at the port.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, an immersive institution dedicated to India’s maritime legacy and the contributions of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. The museum is expected to serve as a cultural and educational landmark in southern Tamil Nadu, promoting tourism and awareness of the Coromandel Coast’s maritime history.
The Minister also launched and laid the foundation for multiple projects covering rail and road connectivity upgrades, enhancement of power infrastructure, renewable energy integration—including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production—advanced safety systems and digital platforms.
Sonowal stated that the initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime Vision 2047 and aim to strengthen VOC Port’s position as a green and technologically advanced maritime hub. He noted that the transformation of India’s ports into engines of growth, innovation and global competitiveness is central to building a self-reliant and sustainable maritime sector.
The developments build on recent milestones at the port, including the commissioning of three new berths over the past 18 months. Among them is North Cargo Berth-III, dedicated by Prime Minister Modi in July 2025, which has expanded bulk cargo capacity. Work is also progressing on the Outer Harbour project, designed to accommodate larger vessels and boost trade volumes.
VOC Port has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable maritime operations, becoming the first Indian port to produce and utilise green hydrogen on-site. A pilot project has been operational since late 2025, with plans for commercial-scale expansion by 2029. Integrated renewable initiatives, green methanol facilities and partnerships in e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are expected to establish the port as a future-ready green fuel bunkering centre.
On the technology front, the port has deployed India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform to enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and data-driven optimisation. An anti-drone system has also been installed to enhance the security of critical infrastructure.
According to officials, the projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, accelerate industrial growth across the Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts, attract fresh investments and generate employment opportunities. The Maritime Heritage Museum is also projected to contribute to the region’s socio-economic development.
Operational performance at the port has improved alongside infrastructure expansion. Between April 2025 and January 2026, cargo handling increased 6% to 35.97 million tonnes, including a record 4 million tonnes in January. Container volumes rose 9.4% to more than 716,000 TEUs, supported by process reforms, additional equipment and expanded storage capacity.
With sustained investments in infrastructure, sustainability and digital innovation, VOC Port continues to consolidate its position as a major maritime gateway on India’s eastern seaboard and a model for green and secure port development.
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