Latest news with #VOCPortAuthority
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
VOC Port becomes the first Indian port to produce green hydrogen and surpass 1 MW solar power
V. O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi has become the first Indian port to successfully produce green hydrogen and achieve over 1 MW of rooftop power generation, said Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port, while addressing the media here on Friday. The media briefing was a part of the one-day conference on Green Ports and Shipping-Chartering Sustainable Maritime Future, organised under NAVIC Cell-3 (Green Initiatives and Pollution Control) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The conference was organised as a part of a nationwide series of thematic workshops and roadshows being conducted ahead of the India Maritime Week 2025, to be held in October in Mumbai. The event has been planned to showcase India's maritime excellence, policy direction and innovation. Addressing the media, Mr. Purohit said that the primary objective of the conference fosters a unified and actionable dialogue to drive India's ports and shipping industry towards net zero emissions. He added that the NAVIC Cell-3 has already begun substantial results, with several major ports including VOC Port Authority transitioning their internal system to energy-energy efficient alternatives. 'We are also in the process of establishing a 750 cubic metre green methanol pilot bunkering facility and initiated a 25 tonnes per day municipal solid waste based on green methanol production project,' said Mr. Purohit. The conference featured two sessions focusing on topics Decarbonisation in the Maritime Sector and Green Financing and Policy Frameworks. The inaugural session of the conference included a keynote address by Vijay Kumar, Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India. During his address, Mr. Vijay Kumar emphasised the need for sustainability in India's maritime sector. He further added that to realise India's 2070 net-zero emission target required coordinated efforts. The NAVIC Cell of the ministry was coordinating various efforts to create environmentally friendly inland waterways across India comprehensively. He also noted that the department was working on multiple fronts, including transitioning towards renewable energy, adopting energy-efficient equipment, promoting green fuels such as LNG, ammonia, hydrogen and upgrading ports equipment. Dignitaries including Abhay Bakre, IRSEE, Mission Director NGHM, Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI, Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor, IMU, Rajesh Soundararajan, Deputy Chairperson, VOC Port Authority and other officials were present at the conference.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
V.O.C. port becomes India's first plastic-free port
V.O. Chidambaranar Port has been declared India's first 'plastic-free' port, according to a press release from V.O.C port authority. At the World Environment Day event held on Thursday on the port premises in Thoothukudi, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, and B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairperson, Cochin Port Authority, had jointly unveiled a plaque officially declaring V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority as a 'plastic-free zone'. The release said reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, the port is upgrading its administration office to meet green certification standards. A 1 MW solar power project is in execution and a 2 MW battery storage system is under active consideration. Additionally, the tendering process has commenced for a 6 MW wind power project and green methanol bunkering facilities. Plans are also underway to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTPC for the development of an additional 1 MW of green hydrogen plant. Collaborative studies on green corridors are progressing with the European Union and the ports of Singapore and Rotterdam, in coordination with Deendayal Port Authority. Speaking at the event, Mr. Kasiviswanathan emphasised the urgent need to adopt sustainability initiatives to restore and protect the environment. He commended the port for achieving India's first plastic-free port. He also distributed the prizes to the winners of various competitions organised by the port, as part of the 'World Environment Week'. In his address, the Chairperson of the V.O.C Port Authority highlighted the various green initiatives carried out by the port reflecting the port's strong commitment to protecting the environment and building a cleaner, greener future. The event was attended by Rajesh Soundararajan, Deputy Chairperson, P. Kavin Maharaj, Chief Vigilance Officer, and other senior port officials.
