VOC Port emerges as a model for Green Maritime Growth with 45% reduction in carbon emissions : Sarbananda Sonowal

Dedicating a series of sustainability, education and innovation initiatives at VOCPA, Sonowal highlighted the findings of the port’s first Sustainability Report, which revealed that renewable energy now offsets nearly 94% of the port’s energy-consumption equivalent, while net carbon emissions have been reduced by around 45%. The report also noted that carbon intensity per tonne of cargo has been reduced by nearly half over the past four years, reinforcing VOC Port’s position as a frontrunner in India’s green maritime transition.      “VOC Port is demonstrating what can be achieved when infrastructure development is guided by sustainability, innovation and community welfare. The port’s achievement in reducing net carbon emissions by 45% is a significant milestone in India’s journey towards greener and more responsible maritime growth. These initiatives reflect the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for building modern, sustainable and future-ready infrastructure while investing in people, technology and the environment,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.      A major highlight of the event was the commencement of academic activities at Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port, for the 2026-27 academic session. Established with the approval of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, the institution will initially function from the Port School campus and provide quality CBSE education to children of port employees, Central government personnel and the local community. The initiative is expected to strengthen educational infrastructure in Tuticorin while expanding access to affordable, high-quality education. “Quality education is one of the most powerful instruments of social transformation. The establishment of Kendriya Vidyalaya at VOC Port will provide new opportunities for children and strengthen the social infrastructure required for long-term development,” Sonowal said.

The Union Minister also released the IIM Calcutta case study, “The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority,” which documents the port’s transformation from a conventional cargo hub into a green energy and sustainable maritime centre. The study highlights the port’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy, electrification and green hydrogen development, including India’s first green hydrogen pilot project commissioned at a major port.

Further reinforcing its environmental credentials, VOC Port received recognition as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, reflecting its successful transition toward clean energy and low-carbon operations. The certification validates the port’s decarbonisation efforts and strengthens its standing as one of India’s leading green ports.   In another major development, VOC Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, to promote collaboration in research, innovation, logistics education, skill development and sustainable port operations. The partnership is expected to facilitate the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management while creating new opportunities for industry-academia engagement.   The minister also launched the PortGPT mobile application, making VOC Port the first major port in India to extend an enterprise-grade generative artificial intelligence platform through a dedicated mobile application. The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency, knowledge management and data-driven decision-making while supporting the port’s long-term digital transformation goals.      Vijay Kumar, Secretary, MoPSW; Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOCPA, among other senior officials of the ministry and the government were present at the event.