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V.O.C. Port Authority achieves emission-free status; Sonowal launches PortGPT app and sustainability report

Published on: 23 Jun 2026, 01:22 PM

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday launched the PortGPT mobile application and released the V.O.C. Port Authority Sustainability Report 2026 in New Delhi. He also inaugurated the academic year 2026-27 at a newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya in Thoothukudi via video conference.

The V.O.C. Port Authority Sustainability Report 2026, titled 'Towards a Green Maritime Future,' is the port's first detailed disclosure on sustainability. It documents progress in renewable energy adoption, environmental stewardship, carbon reduction, and sustainable port operations, aligning with the national maritime vision.

In a significant milestone, V.O.C. Port Authority received a certification recognising it as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port. Scope-2 emissions refer to indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. Achieving this status means the port's electricity consumption comes from sources that produce no emissions, a key step towards decarbonisation.

As part of digital transformation, the PortGPT mobile application was launched, making V.O.C. Port Authority the first major port in India to offer an enterprise-grade generative artificial intelligence platform via mobile app. The app aims to enhance knowledge access, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, contributing to the port's long-term Digital Twin and smart-port vision.

The event also featured the release of a case study by IIM Calcutta titled 'The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.' Additionally, the port signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara, covering research, innovation, logistics education, capacity building, and sustainable port development. This partnership is expected to support the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management.

The newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya will operate from the Port School campus in Thoothukudi, providing educational facilities for the local community.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of V.O.C. Port Authority, said, 'V.O.C. Port Authority is entering an important phase where port development is being aligned with education, sustainability, digital systems, and institutional capacity building.' He added that these initiatives would strengthen the port's ability to serve trade and industry while creating value for employees, the local community, and the maritime sector.

Source: The Hindu

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