In News:

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, SarbanandaSonowal, inaugurated India’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, marking a significant step in India’s clean energy transition and green shipping ambitions.

Key Features of the Project

• Capacity: 10 Nm³ per hour.
• Cost: ?3.87 crore.
• Uses: The green hydrogen produced will power streetlights and an EV charging station in the port colony.
• Significance: VOC Port becomes the first Indian port to generate green hydrogen, aligning with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and clean energy leadership.

Associated Green Initiatives at VOC Port

• Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility
  • Capacity: 750 m³, at a cost of ?35.34 crore.
  • Expected to make VOC Port a green bunkering hub in South India.
  • Linked to the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor (Kandla–Tuticorin).
• Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Projects
  • 400 KW rooftop solar plant, raising total capacity to 1.04 MW (highest among Indian ports).
  • Foundation for a 6 MW wind farm.
  • ?24.5 crore link conveyor to improve coal handling efficiency.
  • ?90 crore multi-cargo berth and 3.37 km four-lane road for port connectivity.
  • Upcoming Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum to showcase maritime history.

Strategic Importance

• Port Modernisation: Chennai, Kamarajar, and VOC ports have seen rapid expansion under the SagarmalaProgramme.
  • 98 projects worth ?93,715 crore initiated in Tamil Nadu’s ports in the past 11 years.
  • 50 projects completed; ?16,000 crore invested in modernisation and capacity building.
• Economic Impact:
  • Expected to generate thousands of jobs.
  • Attract global investments in green shipping and clean fuels.
  • Strengthen India’s ambition of becoming a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030 and top 5 by 2047.

About V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port

• Location: Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, on the Coromandel Coast.
• Status: One of India’s 13 major ports, serving as a key maritime hub for South India.
• History: Formerly Tuticorin Port, renamed in 2011 after freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar (KappalottiyaTamizhan).
• Role: Major centre for coal handling, container trade, and now emerging as a green energy hub.