Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Hails VOC Port as India’s Green Maritime Model; Records 45% Emission Cut

The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has emerged as a leading example of sustainable maritime development in India, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said, highlighting the port’s progress in decarbonisation, renewable energy adoption, and green infrastructure initiatives.

Addressing an event at the port, Sonowal noted that VOCPA’s first Sustainability Report reflects significant environmental gains, including nearly 94% of its energy consumption being offset by renewable sources and a reduction of around 45% in net carbon emissions. The report also recorded a near 50% decline in carbon intensity per tonne of cargo over the past four years, underscoring the port’s accelerated transition toward low-carbon operations.

“VOC Port is demonstrating what can be achieved when infrastructure development is guided by sustainability, innovation and community welfare,” Sonowal said, adding that the achievements align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for modern and future-ready infrastructure.

A key highlight of the programme was the inauguration of academic activities at Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port, for the 2026–27 academic session. Approved by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, the school will initially operate from the Port School campus and cater to children of port employees, central government personnel, and the local community. According to the Minister, the initiative will strengthen educational access in Tuticorin and enhance social infrastructure development.

Sonowal emphasised that quality education remains a critical driver of social transformation, stating that the new institution will create expanded learning opportunities for children in the region.

The Minister also released an IIM Calcutta case study titled “The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority,” which documents the port’s evolution from a conventional cargo hub into a green energy-focused maritime centre. The study highlights initiatives including renewable energy integration, electrification, and India’s first green hydrogen pilot project at a major port.

Further strengthening its sustainability credentials, VOCPA was recognised as a Scope-2 emission-free port, validating its transition toward clean energy operations and reinforcing its position among India’s leading green ports.

In another development, VOCPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, to promote collaboration in research, logistics education, skill development, and sustainable port operations. The partnership will also support the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management.

The port also launched “PortGPT,” a mobile application based on generative artificial intelligence, becoming the first major port in India to deploy an enterprise-grade AI platform through a dedicated mobile app. The initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency, knowledge management, and data-driven decision-making.

Senior officials, including Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOCPA, were present at the event.