V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port), Tuticorin, has emerged as India’s southern hub for green shipping corridors, taking the lead in renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and green hydrogen production.
The port was in the spotlight on the second day of India Maritime Week 2025, observed as Green Maritime Day at Hall 4 (Yellow Sea), NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event was organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in collaboration with RMI and NCOEGPS, with VOC Port serving as the nodal organisation for the day.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal delivered the ministerial address, reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing its green maritime ambitions.
“India is well positioned to become the hub of green corridors. By 2047, we aim to be among the world’s leading maritime nations. Today, we can ensure that the seas connecting us also unite us,” he stated.
Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, addressed the gathering virtually, emphasizing India’s focus on decarbonisation and sustainable maritime growth. The keynote address was delivered by Marianne Sivertsen Naess, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.
Vijay Kumar, Secretary, MoPSW, highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives toward achieving greener maritime goals. Other speakers included Patience Bukirwa, Senior Associate, RMI, and Rajiv Jalota, former Chairman of the Mumbai Port Authority.
Speaking on the occasion, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, showcased the port’s green initiatives, saying,
“We are positioning V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin, as a future-ready green port. With its strategic location and strong potential for wind energy generation, our port is ideally placed to lead India’s transition towards sustainable maritime operations.”
He noted that VOC Port has been designated as a Green Hydrogen Hub by the Government of India, with production of green hydrogen and ammonia expected by 2028–2029. During India Maritime Week, the port is signing several MoUs to foster collaboration and innovation in the green energy sector.
“We are already exporting windmill blades to global markets, reaffirming our dedication to renewable energy. With India targeting ₹10 lakh crore in maritime investments, VOC Port aims to contribute ₹1 lakh crore through green and sustainable projects,” Purohit added.
D.P. Dash, Principal Advisor, VOC Port Authority, detailed the port’s carbon reduction efforts:
“VOC Port has implemented energy-efficient technologies and smart lighting sensors, resulting in significant energy savings. The port currently operates 6 MW of solar power, with an additional 1 MW plant nearing completion. Its administrative buildings have also received green building certification, underscoring our commitment to sustainability.”
The event featured technical sessions on “Leveraging India’s Advantages for Green Shipping Corridors,” “Empowering Ports for Green Fuel Bunkering,” and “Accelerating Zero-Emission Transport.”
On the occasion, Acme Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. signed an MoU with VOC Port Authority, Tuticorin, to establish a 1,200 MTPD Green Ammonia Project with an investment of ₹15,000 crore.
Through its comprehensive sustainability initiatives and forward-looking vision, VOC Port is setting new benchmarks for green maritime operations, demonstrating how India’s ports can propel the nation’s transition toward a low-carbon, future-ready maritime economy.
