The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through its NAVIC Cell-3 (Green Initiatives and Pollution Control), hosted a one-day conference spotlighting sustainable transformation in maritime operations.
V. O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi has etched its name in the record books as the first Indian port to successfully produce green hydrogen while surpassing 1 MW in rooftop solar power generation. The announcement was made by Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOC Port, during the “Green Ports and Shipping – Chartering Sustainable Maritime Future” conference.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through its NAVIC Cell-3 (Green Initiatives and Pollution Control), hosted a one-day conference spotlighting sustainable transformation in maritime operations. This event formed part of a nationwide series of thematic workshops and roadshows paving the way to India Maritime Week 2025, slated for October in Mumbai.
The spotlight was on India’s strides in maritime innovation, progressive policy frameworks, and environmental stewardship, as V. O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port, Thoothukudi, emerged as a pioneer—becoming the first Indian port to produce green hydrogen and surpass 1 MW in rooftop solar power generation.
This achievement was featured prominently as part of the national movement to adopt eco-conscious practices across India’s port ecosystem, underscoring a strategic shift toward cleaner, smarter, and more resilient maritime infrastructure.
Together, these efforts mark a significant leap forward in aligning India’s maritime sector with global green energy benchmarks, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable growth and climate-resilient logistics.
Addressing the media, Purohit said that the primary objective of the conference fosters a unified and actionable dialogue to drive India’s ports and shipping industry towards net zero emissions. He added that the NAVIC Cell-3 has already begun substantial results, with several major ports including VOC Port Authority transitioning their internal system to energy-energy efficient alternatives.
The conference featured two sessions focusing on topics Decarbonisation in the Maritime Sector and Green Financing and Policy Frameworks. The inaugural session of the conference included a keynote address by Vijay Kumar, Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India.
During his address, Vijay Kumar emphasised the need for sustainability in India’s maritime sector. He further added that to realise India’s 2070 net-zero emission target required coordinated efforts. The NAVIC Cell of the ministry was coordinating various efforts to create environmentally friendly inland waterways across India comprehensively. He also noted that the department was working on multiple fronts, including transitioning towards renewable energy, adopting energy-efficient equipment, promoting green fuels such as LNG, ammonia, hydrogen and upgrading ports equipment.
