V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Tuticorin, during India Maritime Week 2025 officially signed three major MoUs with leading players in the green energy sector, collectively representing an investment exceeding Rs. 42,000 crore.

The first agreement was penned with Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms Private Limited (GIREFPL), a Sembcorp group company, for the establishment of a common storage farm or immediate tanking storage facility for green ammonia and other hydrogen derivatives, involving an investment of Rs. 25,400 crore.

The second MoU was exchanged with ACME Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Private Limited for a 1,200 MTPD Green Ammonia Project valued at Rs. 12,000 crore.

Third was signed with CGS Energy Private Limited for a 300 TPD Green Ammonia production facility, at an investment of Rs. 5,000 crore. These projects are set to significantly bolster the port’s standing as a future-ready Green Hydrogen Hub for southern India.

With substantial backing from the Government of India, ports across the country are embracing renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decarbonisation measures to support the nation’s ambitious goal of becoming a global pacesetter in sustainable maritime operations.

The event also featured the launch of the case study Sustainability: A Study of VOCPA, developed by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta. The case study highlights the inherent challenges of transitioning to sustainable operations while showcasing VOCPA’s achievements and its emerging role as a hub for green hydrogen initiatives.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman, VOC Port Authority said, “To date, we have signed around 28 MoUs with key stakeholders, collectively valued at Rs. 1.27 lakh crore (over $15 billion). These agreements emphasise port-driven industrialisation, green hydrogen and alternative fuels, alongside the integration of artificial intelligence into our port activities. We anticipate substantial inflows of investment and the generation of many new jobs as a result. We are working extremely hard to build VOC Port into a port of the future, with green energy initiatives and the development of an outer harbour.”

Rajesh Soundrarajan, Deputy Chairman, VOC Port said, “This gathering stands as a pivotal moment for India’s maritime industry. Over the past two days, VOC Port has sealed multiple MoUs; these partnerships will propel VOCPA towards leadership in sustainable global maritime practices.”

Prof. Ramya Venkateswaran, IIM Calcutta, who facilitated the release of the case study said, “VOCPA has been a pioneer in sustainability initiatives. While most would aim to achieve net-zero emissions, the VOC Port Chairman has set a far more ambitious goal—to make the port carbon negative. The team has put in tremendous effort towards this vision, setting an exemplary benchmark for other ports to follow and aligning with global sustainability standards.”

During the closing ceremony of the MoU signing event, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the initiative as a major stride towards India’s vision of becoming a formidable maritime nation.

“This MoU ceremony is a step towards making India a powerful maritime nation. It represents a significant effort in driving the economy as a whole. So far, 23 MoUs have been exchanged, promising massive investments. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, India is becoming a favourable destination for global investors,” commented Sonowal.