Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore at V O Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tuticorin, marking a major push toward green energy integration, advanced digital systems and expanded maritime infrastructure.
The projects span rail and road connectivity upgrades, power infrastructure enhancement, renewable energy initiatives including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production, advanced safety systems and digital transformation platforms. The developments are aligned with the Maritime Vision 2047 framework aimed at positioning India as a leading global maritime power.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, an immersive institution dedicated to India’s maritime legacy and the contribution of freedom fighter V O Chidambaranar. Conceived as a cultural and educational landmark for southern Tamil Nadu, the museum is expected to promote tourism, community engagement and awareness of the Coromandel Coast’s maritime history.
Addressing the gathering, Sarbananda Sonowal said the projects reflect the Government’s commitment to port led development and technological modernisation. He stated that the initiatives will strengthen VOC Port’s position as a green and technologically advanced maritime hub while promoting inclusive growth and sustainability.
He said the Outer Harbour project, shipbuilding initiatives and comprehensive green energy measures will reshape the economic landscape of the region and reinforce the port’s role as a major transshipment hub. The Outer Harbour project is designed to handle larger vessels and increase overall trade volumes.
The Minister noted that the port has commissioned three new berths over the past 18 months, including North Cargo Berth III, dedicated in July 2025, which has significantly expanded bulk cargo handling capacity. These developments have enhanced operational efficiency and throughput.
VOC Port has also emerged as a leader in sustainable maritime operations, becoming the first Indian port to produce and utilise green hydrogen on site. A pilot green hydrogen project has been operational since late 2025, with plans for commercial scale expansion by 2029. Officials said integrated renewable energy initiatives, green methanol facilities and partnerships in e ammonia and carbon capture utilisation and storage are positioning the port as a future ready green fuel bunkering centre.
On the digital front, the port has deployed India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform to enable real time monitoring, predictive maintenance and data driven optimisation of port operations. An anti drone system has also been installed to enhance the security of critical infrastructure, signalling a new phase of technologically integrated port management.
Operational performance indicators reflect the impact of these investments. From April 2025 to January 2026, cargo handling increased by 6 percent to 35.97 million tonnes, including a record 4 million tonnes in January alone. Container volumes rose 9.4 percent to over 716,000 TEUs, supported by process reforms, additional equipment and expanded storage capacity.
The projects are expected to reduce logistics costs, stimulate industrial growth in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts, attract fresh investments and generate significant employment opportunities. The Maritime Heritage Museum is also projected to contribute to regional socio economic development through tourism and cultural engagement.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOC Port Authority, said that by prioritising world class infrastructure, digitisation, green innovation and port led industrialisation including shipbuilding, VOC Port is strengthening its pivotal role in regional prosperity and national development.
Earlier this month, the port hosted a pre event on artificial intelligence in ports and presented a session titled AI Powered Ports Reimagining Efficiency and Operations at the IndiaAI Impact Summit, further underscoring its focus on advanced technology adoption.
With sustained investments in infrastructure, sustainability, digital innovation and maritime capacity expansion, VOC Port is consolidating its position as a major maritime gateway on India’s eastern seaboard and a model for green, secure and future ready port development.
