Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a green hydrogen pilot plant and laid the foundation for various port projects at V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu on Friday. With a capacity of 750 m³, the plant promotes alternative fuels and is aligned with the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor initiative between Kandla and Tuticorin, positioning VOC Port as a central hub for green fuel bunkering.
Emphasizing the impact of the Sagarmala programme, Sonowal remarked that new fishing harbors in Koonthookal, Pompuhar, Sinamoton, and Mukaiyard are generating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He stated, “Through Sagarmala, we are strengthening livelihoods and unlocking the economic potential of our coastal regions.”
The Minister highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, maritime innovation and connectivity are redefining Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s growth. “We are reclaiming India’s maritime legacy through commerce, connectivity, innovation, and cooperation,” he noted, suggesting that Tamil Nadu is emerging as a maritime innovation hub.
Additionally, he commended the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts at IIT Chennai for providing engineering solutions and recognized Chennai’s hosting of the inaugural Maritime Hackathon – Marathon 2025, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation.
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