VO Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority has launched an ambitious new phase of growth focused on education, sustainability and digital transformation, with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal dedicating six key initiatives at Transport Bhawan in New Delhi.
The initiatives include the launch of Kendriya Vidyalaya Vidya Pravesh for the 2026-27 academic year, the release of the VOC Port Authority Sustainability Report 2026, certification as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, the launch of the PortGPT mobile application, the release of an IIM Calcutta case study, and sealing MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.
The developments underscore VOC Port Authority's evolution from a cargo gateway into a hub for sustainable growth, digital innovation, community development and institutional excellence.
“VOC Port Authority is entering an important phase where port development is being aligned with education, sustainability, digital systems and institutional capacity building.
"Under the guidance of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, these initiatives strengthen our ability to serve trade and industry while also creating value for employees, the local community and the maritime sector. The dedication by the Hon’ble Union Minister is a significant encouragement to our continued efforts towards building a greener, smarter and more future-ready port,” said Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.
A major highlight of the programme was the commencement of Vidya Pravesh at the newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port Authority. Launched through video conferencing, the school will initially operate from the Port School campus and provide CBSE education to children of port employees, Central Government personnel and the surrounding community.
The event also marked the release of the VOC Port Authority Sustainability Report 2026, titled Towards a Green Maritime Future—the port's first comprehensive sustainability disclosure.
The report details progress in renewable energy adoption, carbon reduction, environmental stewardship and sustainable port operations, while aligning the port's green transition with India's broader maritime goals.
Strengthening its green credentials further, VOC Port Authority received certification recognising it as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, a significant milestone in its transition to clean energy and low-carbon operations. The recognition positions the port among the country's emerging leaders in sustainable maritime infrastructure.
In a major digital milestone, the Union Minister launched the PortGPT Mobile Application, making VOC Port Authority the first major port in India to offer an enterprise-grade Generative Artificial Intelligence platform through a dedicated mobile app.
The platform is expected to enhance knowledge access, operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making, while advancing the port's long-term Digital Twin and smart-port ambitions.
The programme also saw the release of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta case study, The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.
The study chronicles the port's initiatives in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable maritime innovation, positioning its transformation as a model for the wider maritime sector.
Further strengthening industry-academia collaboration, VOC Port Authority signed an MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. The partnership will focus on research, innovation, logistics education, capacity building and sustainable port development, with plans to support the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management.
The initiatives align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, reinforcing the port's commitment to driving growth through innovation, sustainability and human capital development.
