VOC Port Reduces Carbon Emissions by 45% with Clean Energy

New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) VOC Port, one of the major ports in India, has reduced its net carbon emissions by 45 per cent, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday.

While releasing the port's first Sustainability Report, Sonowal said, "The port's achievement in reducing net carbon emissions by 45 per cent is a significant milestone in India's journey towards greener and more responsible maritime growth. These initiatives reflect the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for building modern, sustainable and future-ready infrastructure while investing in people, technology and the environment."

As per the report, renewable energy now offsets nearly 94 per cent of the port's energy-consumption equivalent.

The study highlights the port's pioneering efforts in renewable energy, electrification and green hydrogen development, including India's first green hydrogen pilot project commissioned at a major port.


Further reinforcing its environmental credentials, VOC Port received recognition as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, reflecting its successful transition toward clean energy and low-carbon operations. The certification validates the port's decarbonisation efforts and strengthens its standing as one of India's leading green ports.

The Port, Shipping and Waterways Minister also unveiled a series of sustainable initiatives including Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara and the VOC Port, and commencement of the Vidya Pravesh programme for the 2026–27 academic year at the newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya VOC Port Authority.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of the VOC Port Authority said "The MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will open new avenues for research and skill development in maritime logistics, whilst PortGPT will bring the power of Generative AI to our daily operations.

"Furthermore, the opening of Kendriya Vidyalaya on our campus and the release of our first Sustainability Report mark our steadfast commitment to our employees, our community, and our environment."

VO Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port) is one of the major ports in India, located at Tuticorin in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, with an annual cargo handling capacity of 82 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). It is also one of the oldest operational ports, with trade links dating back to 123 AD.