Strategic interactions with Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and Port of Hamburg explore opportunities for sustainable shipping, port energy solutions and maritime cooperation
NEW DELHI: V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has taken forward its international engagement on sustainable maritime development through a series of strategic interactions with leading global port organisations and maritime decarbonisation experts on the sidelines of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi.
According to three posts shared by V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority on LinkedIn, Chairperson Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, held discussions with representatives of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, and the Port of Hamburg, along with representatives of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The interactions centred on advancing green fuels, port energy solutions, digitalisation, decarbonisation and sustainable maritime corridors.
The engagements reflect VOCPA’s continued focus on strengthening international cooperation, exchanging knowledge and exploring innovative approaches to support the maritime sector’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Advancing Green Maritime Cooperation with Port of Antwerp-Bruges
During his interaction with Mr. Kristan Waterschoot, Managing Director, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Mr. Daljit Kholi, India Representative, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Shri Purohit discussed ways to strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the two port organisations.
The discussions covered several areas of mutual interest, including green fuels, methanol bunkering, digitalisation and the development of sustainable maritime corridors. These areas are increasingly important as ports and shipping companies explore alternative marine fuels, improve operational efficiency and work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions across maritime supply chains.
The engagement provided an opportunity to take forward the existing partnership and explore avenues for deeper cooperation in emerging maritime technologies and sustainable port operations.
Engagement with Global Experts on the Zero-Carbon Shipping Transition
In another significant interaction, the VOCPA Chairperson met representatives of the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, a leading organisation focused on accelerating the transition to zero-carbon shipping.
The delegation comprised Ms. Fiona McIlwham, Head of Public Affairs; Mr. Christian Vingtoft, Senior Consultant; Mr. Gonzalo Sanz, Senior Consultant; and Mr. Mark Stark, Energy System Transition Manager.
The interaction focused on the evolving global maritime energy transition, opportunities for decarbonisation and the pivotal role of ports in enabling cleaner and more sustainable shipping solutions. The participants exchanged perspectives on emerging technologies, green fuels and the pathways required to accelerate the transition towards a zero-carbon maritime future.
As the shipping industry explores alternative fuels and new energy systems, ports are expected to play an increasingly important role in providing the infrastructure, operational capabilities and collaborative frameworks needed to support their adoption.
Exploring Port Energy Solutions with Hamburg and GIZ
VOCPA also strengthened its engagement with representatives associated with the Port of Hamburg and GIZ India. Shri Purohit interacted with Ms. Linda Hastedt, Port Energy Solutions, Port of Hamburg; Ms. Sameeha Sule, Chief Representative of Hamburg to India; Mr. Georg Jahnsen, Project Manager, GIZ; and Mr. Sarthak Agarwal, Energy Advisor, GIZ India.
The discussions focused on port energy solutions, green fuels, decarbonisation and opportunities to strengthen sustainable maritime practices through international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
The interaction highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches to developing energy-efficient port ecosystems and exploring practical solutions to address the environmental challenges facing the maritime sector. Cooperation among ports, technical experts and international development organisations can help facilitate the exchange of expertise and support the adoption of sustainable practices.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Sustainability Agenda
Taken together, these three engagements underscore the growing importance of international partnerships in advancing the maritime energy transition. From developing green fuel capabilities and sustainable maritime corridors to exploring innovative port energy solutions, collaboration between Indian and international maritime stakeholders can help accelerate progress towards more environmentally responsible shipping and port operations.
For V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, the discussions offer opportunities to build on existing relationships, gain insights into international best practices and explore emerging solutions relevant to the future development of sustainable port infrastructure.
As India continues to strengthen its maritime capabilities and pursue greener logistics and shipping systems, such engagements can contribute to knowledge exchange, technology cooperation and the development of a more sustainable maritime ecosystem.
The interactions at Sagarmanthan 2026 reaffirm the importance of coordinated global action in shaping the next phase of maritime development, where energy transition, digital innovation and environmental sustainability will remain central to the competitiveness and resilience of ports and shipping networks worldwide.
