V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu has earmarked Rs 41,860 crore worth of investment, to transform itself into India's green hydrogen-ammonia hub of India. This initiative involves the allocation of 501 acres to four firms for setting up manufacturing and storage facilities.
A pilot project for green hydrogen production, storage, and power generation using fuel cells is underway and is expected to conclude by January 2025. The port also aims to showcase its capabilities through a green hydrogen pilot bunkering project for refueling and bunkering green hydrogen derivatives. The port recorded a cargo volume of 29.70 million tonne, including 5.62 lakh TEUs of containers, as of 19 December, 2024.
To sustain this upward trend, the port has initiated several capacity augmentation measures, including widening its entrance channel from 152.40 mtrs. to 230 mtrs. to accommodate larger vessels. VOC Port Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit emphasized the port's strategic advantages, including its all-weather operations, proximity to the East-West international sea route, efficient turnaround times for container ships, and seamless connectivity via road and rail.
These developments align with the port’s vision to strengthen its position as a sustainable, future-ready logistics hub, catering to both traditional cargo needs and emerging green energy demands. The integration of green energy projects with infrastructure upgrades reflects VOC Port's commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for ports across India.