The VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has been praised by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, for its strides in sustainable maritime development in India. Sonowal highlighted the port’s remarkable achievements in decarbonisation, adoption of renewable energy, and development of green infrastructure. The port’s first Sustainability Report revealed that nearly 94% of its energy consumption is now offset by renewable energy, leading to a 45% reduction in net carbon emissions.
VOC Port’s sustainability efforts have also resulted in a significant decrease in carbon intensity per tonne of cargo over the past four years, positioning it as a leader in India’s green maritime transition. Sonowal commended the port for showcasing the positive outcomes of aligning infrastructure development with sustainability, innovation, and community welfare. He emphasized that the port’s achievement of reducing net carbon emissions by 45% marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards environmentally responsible maritime growth.
Furthermore, the VOC Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, to enhance collaboration in research, innovation, logistics education, skill development, and sustainable port operations. This partnership aims to establish a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management, fostering industry-academia engagement and creating new opportunities.
An important development at the port was the initiation of academic activities at Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port, for the 2026-27 academic session. Initially operating from the Port School campus, the institution will offer quality CBSE education to children of port employees, Central government personnel, and the local community. Sonowal emphasized the transformative power of quality education, stating that the establishment of Kendriya Vidyalaya at VOC Port will provide children with new prospects and strengthen the social infrastructure necessary for long-term development.
