In a groundbreaking move for maritime security, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has introduced India’s first advanced Anti-Drone System. This system, featuring Radio Frequency and radar-based detection, enhances protection against unauthorized drones, ensuring robust operations. The initiative aligns with national security priorities, marking a significant step in safeguarding critical port infrastructure.
The VOC Port in Tuticorin was honored as the ‘Green Visionary’ at the India Maritime Week 2025 for securing ₹90,936 crore in investments. The port signed 29 MoUs, emphasizing green energy initiatives, including a ₹25,400 crore agreement for a storage facility for green ammonia, positioning it as a leading Green Hydrogen Hub.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin has emerged as a leader in green shipping corridors in India, emphasizing renewable energy and sustainable practices. Recognized during India Maritime Week 2025, the port’s initiatives, including its role as a green hydrogen hub, are set to attract significant sustainable investments, driving India’s maritime growth.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, addressed the media in Madurai about the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025. He highlighted the port’s achievements, ongoing projects, and future green initiatives aimed at sustainability, including a Green Hydrogen Pilot Project and plans for a 6 MW wind farm.
In a significant milestone, V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi achieved record cargo handling of 20 million tonnes on September 21, 2025. This accomplishment underscores its rapid growth, with a 0.61% increase in total cargo and a 6.93% rise in container traffic, solidifying its role as a key hub for international trade.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a green hydrogen pilot plant at V O Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu, promoting alternative fuels. The 750 m³ capacity plant aligns with the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor initiative, enhancing VOC Port as a central hub for green fuel bunkering and supporting sustainable livelihoods through the Sagarmala programme.
VOC Port has commenced construction of Multi-Cargo Berth No. 10, celebrated by Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit at a groundbreaking ceremony. The berth, extending 445 meters with a draft accommodating vessels of up to 125,000 DWT, aims to bolster cargo handling capacity and strengthen the port’s pivotal role in India’s maritime sector.
The VOC Port in southern India has experienced remarkable growth in LPG handling, with a 40.01% increase in 2025–26. By July, it processed 133,520 tonnes, up from 95,364 tonnes last year. With significant upgrades in facilities, the port aims to accommodate larger vessels, enhancing efficiency to meet rising energy demands.
V. O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi has made history as India’s first port to produce green hydrogen and exceed 1 MW in rooftop solar power. Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit announced this at the “Green Ports and Shipping” conference, emphasizing India’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations and net-zero emissions targets.
VOC Port is leading the way in sustainability through green initiatives, operating a 5 MW orpotry drive, a 2 MW wind power plant, and a 1.04 MW rooftop solar system. Forecasts show these efforts will generate 12.65 million units of Green Power, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting India’s green transition.
The global maritime sector is shifting towards sustainability by exploring alternative fuels like methanol for heavy heating oil. Ports in India, such as the VOC port in Thoothukudi, are leading the way in developing green energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Shipping has designated key ports as hydrogen hubs to handle and supply methanol for ships.
The revival of the RS 7.056 Crore External Development Project in the VOC port in Thoothukudi is a significant step forward, attracting major players like Adani Ports and DP World. The need for this project arises from the increasing size of container ships, necessitating the development of an outer port to enhance efficiency and capacity.
Until December 2024, VOC Port in Tuticorin saw a 7% rise in container volumes, handling 581,557 TEU compared to the previous year. With consistent growth and efficient operations, the port boasts fast turnaround times and plans for future expansion to accommodate increasing container traffic and enhance international trade connectivity.
