V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), one of India’s leading major ports, marked a significant institutional milestone with the dedication of six transformative initiatives by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday.
The initiatives span education, sustainability, digital transformation and institutional capacity building, underscoring VOC Port Authority’s growing role beyond cargo operations and reinforcing its commitment to creating long-term value for trade, industry, employees and local communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, said the port is entering a new phase where infrastructure development is being integrated with education, environmental stewardship, digital innovation and institutional partnerships.
“VOC Port Authority is entering an important phase where port development is being aligned with education, sustainability, digital systems and institutional capacity building. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, these initiatives strengthen our ability to serve trade and industry while also creating value for employees, the local community and the maritime sector. The dedication by the Hon’ble Union Minister is a significant encouragement to our continued efforts towards building a greener, smarter and more future-ready port,” he said.
A key highlight of the event was the commencement of the Vidya Pravesh programme for the Academic Year 2026-27 at Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port Authority, through video conferencing. The newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya will initially operate from the Port School campus and provide CBSE education to children of port employees, Central Government personnel and members of the local community.
The event also witnessed the release of the VOC Port Authority Sustainability Report 2026 – “Towards a Green Maritime Future,” the port’s first comprehensive sustainability disclosure. The report highlights progress in renewable energy adoption, environmental management, carbon reduction and sustainable port operations, while aligning VOCPA’s green transition with India’s broader maritime sustainability goals.
Further strengthening its green credentials, VOC Port Authority received certification as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, recognising its successful transition towards clean energy-based operations and its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The certification marks a significant milestone in the port’s journey towards becoming a leading green maritime gateway.
In a major digital initiative, Shri Sonowal launched the PortGPT Mobile Application, making VOC Port Authority the first major port in India to extend an enterprise-grade Generative Artificial Intelligence platform through a dedicated mobile app. The application is expected to enhance knowledge management, operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making, while supporting the port’s long-term Digital Twin and smart-port development strategy.
The programme also featured the release of an Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) case study, titled “The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.” The study documents the port’s initiatives in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable maritime innovation, presenting VOCPA’s transformation as a model for the wider maritime sector.
Highlighting its focus on skill development and maritime education, VOC Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. The partnership will facilitate collaboration in research, innovation, logistics education, capacity building and sustainable port development, and is expected to support the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management.
The initiatives align with the national objectives of Viksit Bharat, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, reflecting VOC Port Authority’s commitment to advancing sustainability, innovation and capacity building within India’s maritime ecosystem.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, representatives from premier academic institutions, industry stakeholders and officials of VOC Port Authority.
Over the years, VOC Port Authority has emerged as one of India’s most progressive major ports, with a growing emphasis on clean energy, digital transformation, industry-academia collaboration and community-centric development. The initiatives unveiled on June 23 further reinforce its commitment to building a greener, smarter and more resilient maritime future.
