V.O.C Port leads the way in green power

TUTICORIN : V. O. Chidambaranar Port is setting a benchmark in sustainability with ambitious green initiatives, reinforcing 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 1.04 MW rooftop solar system. In addition to it, construction of a 1 MW ground based solar facility is also underway at the port.

In the financial year 2024-2025, these renewable energy assets collectively generated 12.65 millions units of green power, reducing approximately 10.37 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emission. Notably V. O. C. Port has become the first major port in India to exceed 1 MW in rooftop solar capacity, reinforcing its leadership in renewable energy adoption.

Promoting green mobility, the port has also installed five EV charging stations and deployed 20 electric vehicles within its premises. In a pioneering move, it became the first Indian port to generate green hydrogen as part of a pilot project. To further this vision, 501 acres have been earmarked for the development of green hydrogen manufacturing and storage facilities backed by investment worth ₹41,860 crore from various companies.

As part of green shipping efforts it also offers concessions on port dues for vessels with IAPH-Certified Environmental Ship Index (ESI) scores.

Susanta Kumara Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of V. O. C. Port, affirmed that the port is aligned with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways “Harit Sagar” green port guidelines and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality through holistic decarbonisation approach.