The India Maritime Week 2025, held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, witnessed strong international participation from global maritime leaders and stakeholders, underscoring its growing stature as a premier platform for collaboration and innovation in the global maritime sector.
Against this backdrop, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, signed 29 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key stakeholders across sectors such as port modernization, shipbuilding, information technology, sustainability, and other port-related services. The collective investment value of these MoUs stands at an impressive ₹90,936 crore.
Among these, three major MoUs in the green energy sector alone represent investments exceeding ₹45,400 crore. The first MoU was signed with Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms Pvt. Ltd. (GIREFPL), a Sembcorp group company, for establishing a common storage facility for green ammonia and hydrogen derivatives, with an investment of ₹25,400 crore. The second MoU was inked with ACME Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. for setting up a 1,200 MTPD Green Ammonia Project valued at ₹15,000 crore. The third MoU, with CGS Energy Pvt. Ltd., involves the creation of a 300 TPD Green Ammonia production facility, worth ₹5,000 crore.
These initiatives mark a major step forward in VOC Port’s transformation into a Green Hydrogen Hub for southern India, aligning with the nation’s decarbonization and sustainability goals.
Adding to the Port’s achievements, the event also saw the release of a case study by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, titled “Sustainable Transformation and Decarbonization in India’s Maritime Sector – VOC Port’s Journey to a Green Port.” The case study highlights the Port’s pioneering efforts in sustainability and the challenges involved in transitioning to green operations.
The case study was released by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary (MoPSW); Shri S. Venkatesapathy, Joint Secretary (MoPSW); Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority; and Prof. Ramya Venkateswaran, IIM Calcutta.
On the concluding day of the event, VOC Port was honoured with the ‘Green Visionary’ Award in recognition of its ongoing and future green initiatives showcased at its pavilion. The award was presented by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal to Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, and Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, on behalf of the Port, in the presence of Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and senior officials from the Ministry.
Expressing his appreciation, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, said, “VOC Port has sealed multiple MoUs with various stakeholders, which are expected to attract significant investments and generate numerous employment opportunities. We are working tirelessly to transform VOC Port into a port of the future through green energy initiatives and the development of an outer harbour.”
With its strong focus on sustainability and innovation, VOC Port continues to strengthen its position as a key driver of India’s maritime green transition.
