In a landmark development for India's clean energy transition, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the country’s first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi. This initiative marks a major milestone in India's journey towards decarbonising maritime infrastructure.Constructed at a cost of Rs 38.7 million, the 10 Nm³/hr green hydrogen facility will power streetlights and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station within the port colony. VOC Port has now become the first port in India to generate green hydrogen, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable port operations.The Union Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Green Methanol Bunkering and Refuelling Facility with a capacity of 750 m³, to be built at a cost of Rs 353.4 million. This initiative aligns with the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Tuticorin, reinforcing VOC Port’s emerging role as a green bunkering hub in southern India.Highlighting the significance of these initiatives, Shri Sonowal stated,“The mission of Viksit Bharat @2047 combines speed, scale, sustainability and self-reliance. These projects will not only generate employment but also attract global investment and enhance Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s economic aspirations.”Additional green and infrastructure projects inaugurated include:A 400 KW rooftop solar plant, raising the port’s total rooftop solar capacity to 1.04 MW, the highest among Indian portsA Rs 245 million link conveyor connecting Coal Jetty-I to the port’s stack yard, boosting handling efficiency by 0.72 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA)Foundation stones for a 6 MW wind farm, a Rs 900 million multi-cargo berth, a 3.37 km four-lane road, and the Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage MuseumThe Minister praised the transformation of Tamil Nadu’s major ports—Chennai, Kamarajar, and VOC—under the Sagarmala programme, noting that 98 projects worth Rs 937.15 billion have been undertaken over the last 11 years, with 50 already completed. Of this, over Rs 160 billion has been invested in port modernisation and capacity enhancement alone.Paying tribute to freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar on his 154th birth anniversary, Shri Sonowal said,“VOC’s Swadeshi spirit through shipping continues to inspire us. Today, we honour that legacy by strengthening our ports with green energy, innovation and self-reliance.”The Minister also expressed gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu and Thoothukudi, acknowledging their support in enabling the timely execution of development projects.“Our ministry is delivering with speed, scale and commitment — and the trust of the people is central to this success,” he added.The event also witnessed two key MoU signings:Between VOC Port and IPRCL for rail connectivity to the upcoming Outer Harbour projectBetween VOC Port and NTPC to drive green mobility initiativesShri Sonowal was joined by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of MoPSW, along with senior officials from the Ministry and the Government of Tamil Nadu. These initiatives collectively underscore India’s commitment to creating a future-ready, sustainable maritime ecosystem.