On 28.05.2026, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, visited V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority and reviewed various renewable energy and green infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the Port. During the visit, VOC Port exchanged Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt. Ltd., to collaborate on Green Port certification, emissions accounting, ESG reporting, safety validation, development of green bunkering practices, and establishment of a Centre of Excellence for green fuels and sustainability. The Port also exchanged a MoU with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited for collaboration in the development of a green ammonia production plant with a capacity of 1 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) at Tuticorin. The initiative also includes development of green ammonia handling, storage and bunkering infrastructure, pilot bunkering operations, safety procedures and training programmes. The project is expected to support the development of green fuel corridors connecting VOC Port with major ports in Europe and Asia, thereby strengthening India’s position in the global green fuels value chain. The MoUs were exchanged in the presence of Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, Secretary, MNRE, by Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Shatanshu Agrawal, Vice President of Business Development, AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited. and Mr. N. Krishna Babu, Area Manager, on behalf of Bureau Veritas (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, MNRE, reviewed the Port’s key renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, including the pilot Green Hydrogen Plant of 10 Nm³, EV Charging Station and the ongoing 9 MW wind power project, where officials highlighted the project progress. He also inspected the upcoming 750 m³ Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility at the Port, which showcases the Port’s commitment towards alternative green fuels and sustainable maritime operations. The Secretary also visited the Ports operational areas and the Digital Twin facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, where a live demonstration showcased how the technology creates a virtual model of the entire port for real time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and smarter decision-making. Speaking on the occasion, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, Secretary, MNRE, stated that the green initiatives undertaken by VOC Port, particularly in solar and wind energy, as well as green hydrogen & methanol manufacturing and bunkering, have emerged as a model for green transition not only in India but also globally. He also appreciated the Port’s efforts towards achieving net zero status by 2026.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, in his message conveyed that the visit of Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, Secretary, MNRE, would further support the Port’s efforts towards renewable energy adoption and sustainable maritime development. He added that the Port’s initiatives in green ammonia, hydrogen and alternative marine fuels reflect its commitment in becoming sustainable and contribute towards the country’s efforts in fulfilling ‘Panchamrit’ commitments of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during the COP-26 Conference at Glasgow, for reduction in carbon emissions and moving towards Net Zero.
