Green Shipping Push in South India
Alongside the hydrogen plant, Shri Sonowal laid the foundation for a ₹35.34 crore Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility of 750 m³ capacity. The project is designed to support the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin, positioning VOC Port as a hub for eco-friendly maritime fuel in south India.
The Minister also unveiled a series of sustainability-driven projects, including a 400 KW rooftop solar power plant that raises the port’s solar capacity to 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian ports. Additionally, a ₹24.5 crore link conveyor was launched to connect Coal Jetty-I with the port stack yard, improving cargo handling efficiency by 0.72 MMTPA.
Major Infrastructure Projects
New initiatives announced at the port include a 6 MW wind farm, a ₹90 crore multi-cargo berth, and a 3.37 km four-lane road to ease connectivity. Plans for a Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum were also unveiled to showcase the state’s rich maritime legacy.
Shri Sonowal emphasized that these developments reflect the “speed, scale, sustainability, and self-reliance” of the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission. He noted that the projects would create thousands of jobs, attract global investments, and enhance Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s economic growth.
Transformative Growth in Tamil Nadu Ports
Highlighting the progress under the Sagarmala programme, the Minister shared that Chennai, Kamarajar, and VOC ports have undertaken 98 projects worth ₹93,715 crore over the past 11 years, of which 50 have been completed. Investments of more than ₹16,000 crore have gone into modernisation and capacity expansion in these three ports alone.
“This is unique growth. Our ports are becoming enablers of trade and clean energy transition,” Shri Sonowal remarked. He reiterated the government’s ambition of placing India among the world’s top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and among the top 5 by 2047.
Tribute to VOC’s Legacy
Paying homage to V.O. Chidambaranar, Shri Sonowal recalled his pioneering role in igniting the Swadeshi spirit through indigenous shipping. “Today, under Prime Minister Modi ji’s leadership, we are carrying forward that spirit with green energy, innovation, and self-reliance,” he said.
He also thanked the people of Tamil Nadu and Thoothukudi for their trust and cooperation, which he said has enabled timely completion of port projects. MoUs were also signed between VOC Port and IPRCL for rail connectivity to the Outer Harbour project and with NTPC for green mobility initiatives.
