The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, has inaugurated and laid the foundation for more than ₹1,500 crore worth of projects at the V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority in Tuticorin.
A significant portion of the funding is directed toward upgrading rail and road connectivity to streamline cargo evacuation.
This builds on recent capacity expansions at the port, including the commissioning of three new berths over the past 18 months, such as the North Cargo Berth-III dedicated in July 2025.
VOC Port is aggressively positioning itself as a future-ready green fuel bunkering center. It is currently the first Indian port to produce and use green hydrogen on-site, with a pilot project running since late 2025 and commercial scale development targeted for 2029.
The new ₹1,500 crore package further enhances the port’s renewable energy integration, funding:
- Solar and wind power infrastructure
- Battery storage systems
- Expanded green hydrogen production
- Facilities for green methanol, e-ammonia, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
On the technology front, VOC Port has deployed India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform. This system provides real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization for terminal operations. Additionally, a new anti-drone system has been installed to secure the port’s critical infrastructure.
The event also featured the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, a new cultural institution designed to highlight the maritime history of the Coromandel Coast.