Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), visited the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tuticorin on Thursday to assess the progress of renewable energy and green infrastructure initiatives at the port.
Key MoUs Signed for Green Transition
During his visit, the port signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt. Ltd. to collaborate on green port certification, emissions accounting, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, safety validation, development of green bunkering practices, and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for green fuels and sustainability.
Additionally, an MoU was exchanged with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited to develop a green ammonia production plant with a capacity of one million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at Tuticorin. This project is expected to facilitate the creation of green fuel corridors connecting VOC Port with major ports in Europe and Asia, thereby strengthening India's position in the global green fuels value chain.
Review of Ongoing Projects
The secretary reviewed several key renewable energy and sustainability initiatives at the port, including the pilot green hydrogen plant, an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, the ongoing 9 MW wind power project, and the upcoming green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility. He also toured the port's operational areas and the digital twin facility, where a live demonstration illustrated how the technology creates a virtual model of the entire port for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter decision-making.
Global Recognition for Green Initiatives
Speaking on the occasion, Sarangi stated that the green initiatives undertaken by VOC Port, particularly in solar and wind energy, as well as green hydrogen and methanol manufacturing and bunkering, have emerged as a model for green transition not only in India but also globally. The port's efforts are seen as a benchmark for sustainable development in the maritime sector.
