VOC port leads the way toward a greener future

VOC Port is paving a visionary path towards sustainability with a series of ambitious green initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner, greener future. As part of its clean energy strategy, the Port currently operates a 5 MW ground-based solar power plant, a 2 MW wind power plant, and a 1.04 MW rooftop solar system. Construction of an additional 1 MW ground-based solar facility is underway.

In the financial year 2024–25, these renewable energy assets collectively generated 12.65 million units of green power, resulting in the reduction of approximately 10.37 million kilograms of CO₂ emissions. Notably, VOC Port has become the first major port in India to exceed 1 MW in rooftop solar capacity, reinforcing its leadership in renewable energy adoption.

To promote green mobility, the Port has installed five EV charging stations and deployed 20 electric vehicles within its premises. In a community-focused initiative, VOC Port has also donated a CNG-powered bus to the Harbour Higher Secondary School as part of its CSR efforts, encouraging sustainable transportation. As a technology demonstrator, VOC Port has successfully completed a pilot project for green hydrogen production, making it the first Indian port to generate green hydrogen as a technology demonstrator.

The 10 Nm³/hour plant, powered by the Port’s own renewable energy through electrolysis, will supply hydrogen to selected streetlights in the Port’s residential areas and electric vehicle charging stations, marking a significant step in embracing clean fuel technologies. Further strengthening the green hydrogen ambitions of the country, the Port has earmarked 501 acres of land for the development of green hydrogen manufacturing and storage facilities. With a projected investment of ₹41,860 crore from companies such as ACME Green Hydrogen & Chemicals, Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms Pvt. Ltd. (Sembcorp), Amplus Ganges Solar Pvt. Ltd., and Renew E-Fuels Pvt. Ltd., VOC Port is positioning itself as a major player in the emerging hydrogen economy.

Additionally, a pilot green hydrogen bunkering and refuelling facility is being developed at the Port, with a ₹35 crore grant sanctioned by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The facility, which will have a storage capacity of 750m3, is expected to be completed by January 2026. VOC Port is also constructing a dedicated terminal with two berths for handling windmill blades and components. This infrastructure will contribute to the development of 20 GW of wind energy capacity along Tamil Nadu’s coast.

The Port is also gearing up to launch the first Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin, in collaboration with the Shipping Corporation of India. As part of its Green Shipping efforts, VOC Port offers concessions on Port Dues for vessels with IAPH-certified Environmental Ship Index (ESI) scores. Discussions are underway with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to operate green fuel ships from Rotterdam and Singapore, with VOC Port serving as a green fuel bunkering hub.

A feasibility study is in progress for these operations. VOC Port has also become the first Indian port to introduce a comprehensive Green Port Policy, focusing on Green-certified buildings, electrification of cargo-handling equipment, Use of electric vehicles, expansion of renewable energy generation, water conservation, Increased green cover, sustainability awareness and regular policy updates In his message, Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port, affirmed that the Port is aligned with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways’ ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines, and is committed to achieving Zero Carbon Emission Goals by embracing a holistic approach to decarbonizing the port and maritime sectors.