Sonowal launches five initiatives at VOC Port to advance green, digital and educational goals

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) launched a series of initiatives of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), aimed at promoting sustainable, technology-driven and educational development at the port.

The initiatives were unveiled at a ceremony held at Transport Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of senior officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, representatives of academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and VOCPA officials.

Among the key announcements was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VOCPA and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. The partnership aims to promote collaboration in maritime logistics, research, innovation, capacity building and sustainable port development. It is also expected to pave the way for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management.

The Minister also released an IIM Calcutta case study titled ‘The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority’. The study highlights the port’s initiatives in renewable energy, green hydrogen adoption and sustainable maritime innovation.

In a major digital initiative, Mr. Sonowal launched the PortGPT mobile application, making VOCPA the first major port in India to offer an enterprise-grade generative artificial intelligence platform through a dedicated mobile application. The app is expected to support operational efficiency, knowledge management and data-driven decision-making while contributing to the port’s long-term smart-port and Digital Twin vision.

The event also saw the release of the VOCPA Sustainability Report 2026, titled ‘Towards a Green Maritime Future’. The report outlines the port’s initiatives in renewable energy adoption, carbon reduction and sustainable operations. VOCPA also received certification recognising it as a Scope-2 Emission-Free Port, reflecting its transition towards clean energy and low-carbon operations.

Another highlight was the commencement of Vidya Pravesh for the academic year 2026-27 at Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port Authority, through video conferencing. Established with the approval of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, the school will initially function from the Port School campus and provide CBSE education to children of port employees, Central government personnel and the local community.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sonowal said the initiatives reflected the Ministry’s commitment to achieving the goals outlined under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. He said the projects demonstrated how ports can contribute to national development through education, sustainability and technology.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of VOCPA, added, “This is a proud day for the VOC Port Authority. The MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will open new avenues for research and skill development in maritime logistics, whilst PortGPT will bring the power of Generative AI to our daily operations. Furthermore, the opening of Kendriya Vidyalaya on our campus and the release of our first Sustainability Report mark our steadfast commitment to our employees, our community, and our environment.”