Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated and laid foundations for projects valued at Rs 15 billion (Rs 15 bn) at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, signalling a significant expansion of infrastructure, renewable energy integration and digital modernisation. The minister opened the VOC Maritime Heritage Museum, described as an immersive institution to showcase India’s maritime legacy and the contribution of V.O. Chidambaranar and will promote tourism and community engagement across southern Tamil Nadu. The event covered rail and road connectivity upgrades and power infrastructure enhancements. Renewable energy initiatives announced at the event encompass solar, wind, battery storage and on-site green hydrogen production, with a pilot project operational since late 2025 and plans for commercial-scale development by 2029. Officials noted integrated ventures in green methanol, e-ammonia and carbon capture, utilisation and storage as part of a strategy to position VOC Port as a green fuel bunkering centre. The minister indicated that such measures will reduce carbon intensity and support port-led industrial development. On the technology front, the port has deployed India’s first comprehensive Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and data-driven optimisation, and has installed an anti-drone system to strengthen security of infrastructure. The port has also commissioned three new berths in the past 18 months, including North Cargo Berth-III dedicated in July 2025, and is progressing work on the Outer Harbour project to handle larger vessels and increase trade volumes. Officials expect these investments to lower logistics costs and attract new investment to the region. Operational performance improved alongside the investments, with cargo handling rising six per cent to 35.97 million tonnes (35.97 mn t) from April 2025 to January 2026, including a record four mn t in January, and container volumes increasing 9.4 per cent to more than 716,000 TEUs. The minister said the combined push on green innovation, digitisation and port-led industrialisation will generate employment and accelerate socio-economic development in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Madurai districts. The port hosted a pre-event on artificial intelligence and presented a session at the IndiaAI Impact Summit earlier this month.