V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has stepped up its green transition efforts by signing key partnerships focused on green fuels, sustainability and renewable energy infrastructure, reinforcing its ambition to become a net-zero maritime hub by 2026.
During a visit by Santosh Kumar Sarangi on May 28, the port signed a memorandum of understanding with AM Green Ammonia (India) Pvt Ltd for the development of a 1 million tonnes per annum green ammonia plant at Thoothukudi. The project will include ammonia handling, storage and bunkering infrastructure, pilot bunkering operations, safety systems and specialised training programmes.
The port also entered into a collaboration with Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt Ltd to support Green Port certification, emissions accounting, ESG reporting, safety validation and green bunkering practices. The partnership will additionally facilitate the establishment of a Centre of Excellence dedicated to green fuels and sustainability.
During the visit, the MNRE Secretary reviewed several ongoing renewable energy and sustainability initiatives at the port, including a pilot green hydrogen plant, an electric vehicle charging station and a 9 MW wind power project currently under development.
According to the port, these initiatives are expected to support the creation of green fuel corridors connecting Thoothukudi with major ports across Europe and Asia, strengthening India’s position in the emerging global green fuels value chain.
Sarangi also inspected the upcoming 750-cubic-metre green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility and visited the port’s Digital Twin facility, where officials showcased capabilities for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit said the port is committed to transforming itself into a sustainable maritime hub and achieving net-zero emissions status by 2026.