VOC Port has reduced its net carbon emissions by 45 per cent, the Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways said when the port released its first sustainability report. The report said renewable energy now offsets nearly 94 per cent of the port's energy consumption equivalent and highlighted pioneering efforts in renewable generation, electrification and green hydrogen development. It further noted that India's first green hydrogen pilot project at a major port has been commissioned as part of the transition. The port received recognition as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port, a certification that the release said validates its decarbonisation measures and underlines its credentials among India's green ports. The report set out the steps taken to cut emissions and transition to low-carbon operations, including investments in renewable power and new technology platforms to improve efficiency. These measures were presented as strengthening the port's strategic position in sustainable maritime logistics. The minister also unveiled a series of sustainable initiatives, including a memorandum of understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara and the start of the Vidya Pravesh programme for the 2026–27 academic year at the newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya at the VOC Port Authority. The chairperson of the port authority said the MoU would create opportunities for research and skill development in maritime logistics and that an internal platform called PortGPT would bring generative artificial intelligence to daily operations. The release framed the opening of the school and the sustainability report as evidence of the port's commitment to its employees, the local community and the environment.\n\nVO Chidambaranar Port, commonly known as VOC Port, is located at Tuticorin in southern Tamil Nadu and is one of India's major seaports with trade links dating back to 123 AD. It has an annual cargo handling capacity of 82 million tonnes per annum (MTPA); hereafter, the measure is expressed as 82 million tonnes per annum. The report and accompanying announcements were set out as milestones in the port's move towards cleaner, future?ready infrastructure.