IIM Calcutta case study on the Hydrogen launched
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, has highlighted that V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) is a model for sustainable maritime development in India, as the port has made a significant progress in decarbonisation, renewable energy adoption and green infrastructure development.
Dedicating a series of sustainability, education and innovation initiatives at VOCPA, Sonowal highlighted the findings of the port’s first Sustainability Report, which revealed that renewable energy now offsets nearly 94% of the port’s energy-consumption equivalent, while net carbon emissions have been reduced by around 45%.
The report also noted that carbon intensity per tonne of cargo has been reduced by nearly half over the past four years, reinforcing VOC Port’s position as a frontrunner in India’s green maritime transition.
“VOC Port is demonstrating what can be achieved when infrastructure development is guided by sustainability, innovation and community welfare. The port’s achievement in reducing net carbon emissions by 45% is a significant milestone in India’s journey towards greener and more responsible maritime growth,” said Sonowal.
The Minister also released the IIM Calcutta case study, “The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority”, which documents the port’s transformation from a conventional cargo hub into a green energy and sustainable maritime centre. The study highlights the port’s pioneering efforts in renewable energy, electrification and green hydrogen development, including India’s first green hydrogen pilot project commissioned at a major port.
Further reinforcing its environmental credentials, VOC Port received recognition as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, reflecting its successful transition toward clean energy and low-carbon operations. The certification validates the port’s decarbonisation efforts and strengthens its standing as one of India’s leading green ports.
In another major development, VOC Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, to promote collaboration in research, innovation, logistics education, skill development and sustainable port operations. The partnership is expected to facilitate the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management while creating new opportunities for industry-academia engagement.
The minister also launched the PortGPT mobile application, making VOC Port the first major port in India to extend an enterprise-grade generative artificial intelligence platform through a dedicated mobile application. The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency, knowledge management and data-driven decision-making while supporting the port’s long-term digital transformation goals. Fiinews.com
