Ports across India are advancing toward sustainable maritime operations by adopting renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decarbonization projects, with strong support from the Government of India. On the fourth day of India Maritime Week 2025, several MoUs were signed, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to becoming a global leader in clean and green maritime infrastructure.
The V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, entered into three major MoUs with the key players in the green energy industry during the event, which reflect an overall investment of a little more than 242,000 crore. Its initial MoU was signed with Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms Private Limited (GIREFPL), which is a Sembcorp group company, to form a common storage farm or immediate tanking storage facility of green ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives, to invest 25,400 crore.
The second and third MoUs were with ACME Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Private Limited to establish a 1,200 MTPD Green Ammonia Project at the rate of 12,000 crore and with CGS Energy Private Limited to establish a 300 TPD Green Ammonia production facility at the rate of 5,000 crore, respectively. The initiatives should go a long way in making the port a green hydrogen hub of the future in southern India.
It was also during the event that Case Study on Sustainability: A Study of VOCPA by the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, was launched.
In the process of awarding, VOC Port was given a Green Visionary award, which acknowledges the port in its efforts to be green. VOCPA was greatly praised for its efforts in pioneering the decarbonization and its proven steps in the quickest way to sustainability in the Indian ports.
Official Statements:
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 green 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 Soundrarajan added, “This event is truly a cornerstone of India’s maritime sector. VOC Port signed several MoUs today and yesterday; these will help VOCPA become a global leader in green maritime operations.”
Prof. Ramya Venkateswaran of IIM Calcutta, who facilitated the release of the case study, stated, “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 has put in tremendous effort toward this vision, setting an exemplary benchmark for other ports and aligning with global sustainability standards.”
During the closing ceremony of the MoU signing event, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “This initiative marks a major step towards India’s vision of becoming a powerful maritime nation. This MoU ceremony is a step towards 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.”
The minister further highlighted that India, which has so far been primarily a ship user, is now moving toward becoming a shipbuilding 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.
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