Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils India’s First Port-Based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at VOC Port

Thoothukudi, September 6: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated India’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot project at VO Chidambaranar (VOC) port, marking a milestone in the nation’s clean energy and maritime transition. The event coincided with the 154th birth anniversary of freedom fighter VO Chidambaranar, to whom the minister paid floral tributes.

India’s First Green Hydrogen Port Facility

Built at a cost of ₹3.87 crore, the 10 Nm³/hr facility will generate green hydrogen to power streetlights and an EV charging station in the port colony. With this launch, VOC Port has become the first port in the country to produce and utilize green hydrogen.

Sonowal also laid the foundation for a Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility of 750 m³ capacity at an investment of ₹35.34 crore, aligned with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin. This initiative will position VOC Port as a green bunkering hub in south India.

“The mission of Viksit Bharat at 2047 blends speed, scale, sustainability and self-reliance. The projects launched today will generate thousands of jobs, attract global investments, and position Tamil Nadu as a key contributor to India’s economic aspirations. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we are moving towards becoming one of the world’s Top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and Top 5 by 2047,” Sonowal said.

Green Growth Initiatives at VOC Port

Additional projects launched today include:

• A 400 KW rooftop solar plant, raising the port’s solar capacity to 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian ports.
• A ₹24.5 crore link conveyor connecting Coal Jetty-I to the stack yard, increasing efficiency by 0.72 MMTPA.
• Foundation stones for a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, a 3.37 km four-lane road, and the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum.

The Minister noted that Tamil Nadu’s major ports—Chennai, Kamarajar, and VOC—have undergone transformative growth under the Sagarmala programme, with 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore initiated in the past 11 years, of which 50 are complete. He highlighted that more than ₹16,000 crore has already been invested in the three ports for modernization and capacity building.

Honouring VOC’s Legacy

Paying homage to VO Chidambaranar, Sonowal recalled his role in igniting the Swadeshi spirit through shipping. “Today, under Prime Minister Modi ji’s leadership, we are carrying forward that spirit by strengthening our ports and shipping sector with green energy, innovation, and self-reliance,” he said.

Partnerships and Future Growth

On the occasion, MoUs were signed between VOC Port and IPRCL for rail connectivity to the Outer Harbour project, and with NTPC for green mobility initiatives at the port.

The event was attended by MoPSW Secretary TK Ramachandran, senior officials of the ministry, Government of Tamil Nadu, and local stakeholders.