On July 9, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges International NV and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Center. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in capacity building, green initiatives, and digital transformation, solidifying India-Europe maritime ties. The MoU was signed by Deputy Chairperson Rajesh Soundararajan and Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of both Belgian entities, with other senior officials in attendance.
The three-year partnership will focus on training, workshops, and best practice sharing, emphasizing sustainability and digital integration in port operations. This aligns with V.O. Chidambaranar Port’s agenda, which includes initiatives in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and green ammonia production, positioning it as a leader in India’s green maritime transition.
During the visit, the delegation toured the port’s facilities, including the Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant and the future Green Methanol Bunkering Site. Kristof Waterschoot highlighted the port’s rich history and innovation, while Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit noted the significance of this collaboration in advancing sustainable, smart port development and reaffirming India’s commitment to clean energy as stated in Prime Minister Modi’s COP26 declaration.
