Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 30 (ANI): With strong backing from the Government of India, ports across the country are embracing renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decarbonization initiatives to align with the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in clean maritime operations. On the fourth day of India Maritime Week 2025, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹1 lakh crore were exchanged, marking a major leap in India’s maritime green transition.
During the event, the V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, formalized three major MoUs with leading players in the green energy sector, representing a collective investment of over ₹42,000 crore. The first MoU was signed with Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms Private Limited (GIREFPL), a Sembcorp Group company, to establish a common storage farm or immediate tanking storage facility for green ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives, involving an investment of ₹25,400 crore.
The second MoU was exchanged with ACME Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Private Limited for setting up a 1,200 MTPD Green Ammonia Project worth ₹12,000 crore, while the third was signed with CGS Energy Private Limited for a 300 TPD Green Ammonia production facility at an investment of ₹5,000 crore. These projects are expected to significantly strengthen the port’s position as a future-ready Green Hydrogen Hub for southern India.
The event also featured the launch of “Sustainability: A Study of VOCPA,” a case study developed by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta.
At the award ceremony, VOC Port received the “Green Visionary” award, recognizing its leadership and commitment to sustainability. The port was praised for its pioneering decarbonization initiatives and its rapid progress toward environmental excellence among Indian ports.
The case study highlights the challenges of transitioning to sustainable operations while showcasing VOCPA’s achievements and its growing role as a hub for green hydrogen initiatives.
VOCPA Chairman Susanta Kumar Purohit said, “We have signed about 28 MoUs with various stakeholders so far, amounting to a total investment of ₹1.27 lakh crore. These agreements focus on port-led industrialization, green hydrogen and fuels, as well as advancing the use of artificial intelligence in our port operations. Through these initiatives, we expect significant investments and the creation of numerous employment opportunities.”
VOCPA Deputy Chairman Rajesh Soundararajan added, “This event is truly a cornerstone for India’s maritime sector. VOC Port has signed several MoUs in the last two days that will help position it as a global leader in green maritime operations.”
Prof. Ramya Venkateswaran of IIM Calcutta, who facilitated the release of the case study, said, “VOCPA has been a pioneer in sustainability initiatives. While most aim to achieve net-zero emissions, the VOC Port Chairman has set a far more ambitious goal — to make the port carbon negative. The team’s efforts toward this vision have set a benchmark for other ports and align with global sustainability standards.”
During the closing ceremony of the MoU signing event, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the initiative marks a significant step toward realizing India’s vision of becoming a powerful maritime nation.
“This MoU ceremony is a step toward making India a powerful maritime nation. It represents a significant effort in driving the economy as a whole. So far, 23 MoUs have been exchanged, promising massive investments. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, India is becoming a favorable destination for global investors,” Sonowal said.
The Minister also emphasized India’s shift from being a ship user to a ship-building nation. “We have enhanced our efforts, and by 2047, India aims to be among the top five shipbuilding nations in the world. I firmly believe all the promises made will be honored, and the Prime Minister’s vision will be translated into action,” he added. (ANI)
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