Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, 5 September 2025 — The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the nation’s pioneering green hydrogen pilot project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, marking a critical step towards India’s clean energy future.
Green Hydrogen Pilot Project and Green Methanol Facility
The pilot facility, established at a cost of ₹3.87 crore, has a production capacity of 10 Nm³ per hour and will power streetlights and an electric vehicle charging station within the port colony. This milestone makes VOC Port the first in the country to generate green hydrogen using renewable energy through electrolysis.
Additionally, Shri Sonowal laid the foundation for a green methanol bunkering and refueling facility with a storage capacity of 750 m³, costing ₹35.34 crore. This initiative aligns with the planned Coastal Green Shipping Corridor linking Kandla and Tuticorin, positioning VOC Port as a key green bunkering hub in Southern India.
Advancing Sustainability and Economic Growth
The minister also inaugurated a 400 KW rooftop solar plant, increasing the port’s rooftop solar capacity to 1.04 MW—the highest among Indian ports. A ₹24.5 crore link conveyor connecting Coal Jetty-1 to the port stackyard was launched to improve operational efficiency by 0.72 million metric tonnes per annum.
Foundation stones were laid for a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a 3.37 km four-lane road, and the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum, exemplifying an integrated approach to infrastructure and heritage development.
Contribution to India’s Maritime Vision and National Goals
Shri Sonowal emphasized Tamil Nadu’s transformative port growth under the Sagarmala initiative, with 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore initiated in the last 11 years, 50 of which are completed. He highlighted ₹16,000 crore invested in Tamil Nadu’s ports for modernization and capacity enhancement.
On the 154th birth anniversary of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar, Shri Sonowal paid homage to VOC, recognizing his inspiration for the Swadeshi spirit in shipping. The minister credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering India’s shipping sector toward green energy, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook
The event witnessed signing of MoUs between VOC Port and Indian Port Rail Corporation Limited (IPRCL) for rail connectivity to the Outer Harbour project, and with NTPC for implementing green mobility initiatives at the port.
Shri Sonowal acknowledged the strong cooperation from the people of Tamil Nadu and Thoothukudi, attributing timely project completions to their trust and support.
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Source: PIB
