According to the India Offshore Wind Ports Study
conducted by Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy, the total cost involved in building the
new terminal was initially estimated to be 965 crore. This includes
dredging and shore protection among other works. But VOC Port authorities said
a cost analysis carried out by the port found that the cost involved
is around ₹450 crore.
A VOC
port official said that the tender to develop the offshore wind farm would be
floated in July or August after the elections.
To a query on developing offshore wind clusters, which would generate jobs and
investment, the official said that it is the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy which is working on the project.
Although the port is already working with shipping of
components for on-shore wind turbines, catering to offshore wind is not a part
of the current masterplan, but a top shipping ministry official said that
necessary action is being taken in this regard.
According to the study conducted by the Centre of
Excellence for Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy, VOC Port was found to make a very ideal location for establishment of
an offshore wind terminal owing to its relatively close proximity to the
Tamil Nadu offshore wind zone
“Port infrastructure plays a critical role in
supporting the offshore wind industry and the Government of India should play a
role so that works are completed in a timely manner. Indian Port Authorities and port operators can take a page from
European ports that already have a vision and a brand as offshore wind ports,”
the study said.