Work in progress at Outer Harbour project to handle larger vessels
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal has inaugurated and laid the foundation of projects worth more than Rs.1,500 crore at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), Tuticorin, marking a major expansion of infrastructure, renewable energy integration and digital modernisation at the port https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, an immersive institution dedicated to India’s maritime legacy and the contribution of freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. The museum has been conceived as a cultural and educational landmark for southern Tamil Nadu and is expected to promote tourism, community engagement and awareness of the Coromandel Coast’s maritime history.
Sonowal also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects spanning rail and road connectivity upgrades, power infrastructure enhancement, renewable energy integration — including solar, wind, battery storage and green hydrogen production — advanced safety systems and digital platforms http://commerce.gov.in.
“The projects, reflecting the government’s focus on port-led development, aim to strengthen VOC Port’s position as a green and technologically advanced maritime hub”, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal remarked https://sbi.com.in/.
The event builds on recent milestones at the port, including the commissioning of three new berths in the past 18 months. Among them is North Cargo Berth-III which has expanded bulk cargo capacity. Work is also progressing on the Outer Harbour project, designed to handle larger vessels and increase trade volumes http://shipmin.gov.in.
VOC Port has emerged as a leader in sustainable maritime operations and became the first Indian port to produce and use green hydrogen on-site. A pilot project has been operational since late 2025, with plans for commercial-scale development by 2029. Officials said integrated renewable initiatives, green methanol facilities and partnerships in e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) are positioning the port as a future-ready green fuel bunkering center.
On the technology front, the port has deployed India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and data-driven optimisation. An anti-drone system has also been installed to strengthen security of critical infrastructure https://www.nseindia.com/.
Sonowal further added, “At V.O.C. Port, initiatives such as the Outer Harbour project, shipbuilding development and comprehensive green energy measures will reshape the economic landscape of the region and strengthen its position as a major transshipment hub.”
It is expected that the projects will reduce logistics costs, accelerate industrial growth across the Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts, attract new investments and generate significant employment opportunities. The Maritime Heritage Museum is also expected to enhance tourism and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region, Sonowal said https://www.bseindia.com/.
Operational performance has improved alongside these developments. From April 2025 to January 2026, cargo handling rose 6% to 35.97 million tonnes, including a record 4 million tonnes in January alone. Container volumes increased 9.4% to more than 716,000 TEUs, driven by process reforms, additional equipment and expanded storage capacity.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure, sustainability, digital innovation and port-led industrialisation, VOC Port is consolidating its position as a major maritime gateway on India’s eastern seaboard and a model for green and secure port development.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOC Port Authority, added, “By prioritising world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge digitisation, ambitious green innovation, and port-led industrialisation including shipbuilding, VOC Port is strengthening its pivotal role in regional prosperity and national development.” Fiinews.com
