<p data-path-to-node="2"><span class="">In a major validation of its rapid transition toward carbon neutrality,</span><span class=""> the V.</span><span class="">O.</span><span class=""> Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has been honored with the prestigious “Green and Sustainable Logistics – Decarbonization Champion” award.</span></p><p data-path-to-node="3"><span class="">Conferred by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC),</span><span class=""> the recognition was presented at the national conference titled </span><i data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="115" class="">“Excellence in Motion: Re-defining the Future of Logistics in India,”</i><span class=""> held in New Delhi.</span><span class=""> The accolade underscores the Tuticorin-based major port’s successful deployment of clean energy infrastructure and its leadership in minimizing the maritime sector's carbon footprint.</span></p><h3 data-path-to-node="5" class=""><b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="0">A Multifaceted Approach to Port Decarbonization</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="6"><span class="">The ICC award acknowledges VOCPA’s integrated green and sustainable logistics framework,</span><span class=""> which spans green mobility,</span><span class=""> alternative bunkering setups,</span><span class=""> and extensive renewable energy integration.</span></p><p data-path-to-node="7"><span class="">Key milestones fueling the port’s selection for the national honor include:</span></p><ul data-path-to-node="8"><li><p data-path-to-node="8,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,0,0" data-index-in-node="0" class="">Renewable Energy Dominance:</b><span class=""> In the 2025–26 financial year,</span><span class=""> renewable energy sources successfully supplied </span><b data-path-to-node="8,0,0" data-index-in-node="106" class="">94% of the port's total electricity requirements</b><span class="">.</span></p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="8,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,1,0" data-index-in-node="0" class="">Green Hydrogen and Derivatives:</b><span class=""> The port authority recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global players like H2Global to establish high-capacity green hydrogen and ammonia production facilities,</span><span class=""> positioning it as an export hub from India to Europe.</span></p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="8,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,2,0" data-index-in-node="0" class="">Alternative Fuel Bunkering:</b><span class=""> Progressing toward infrastructure readiness for green methanol bunkering to service next-generation,</span><span class=""> low-emission commercial vessels.</span></p></li></ul><h3 data-path-to-node="10" class=""><b data-path-to-node="10" data-index-in-node="0">Setting India's Green Maritime Benchmarks</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="11"><span class="">The recognition adds to a growing list of environmental milestones for the port.</span><span class=""> Earlier this year,</span><span class=""> VOCPA became India’s first major port to secure the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Rating for its sustainable administration building,</span><span class=""> which operates on 100% renewable energy and incorporates automated,</span><span class=""> resource-efficient water and indoor air systems.</span></p><p data-path-to-node="12"><span class="">Furthermore,</span><span class=""> the port's medical facilities and security quarters have previously secured </span><i data-path-to-node="12" data-index-in-node="89" class="">Shunya Plus</i><span class=""> Net-Positive Energy certifications from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE),</span><span class=""> indicating they generate more clean energy on-site than they consume annually.</span></p><h3 data-path-to-node="13" class=""><b data-path-to-node="13" data-index-in-node="0">Commitment to Clean Energy Transitions</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="14"><span class="">Accepting the recognition on behalf of the authority,</span><span class=""> Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit,</span><span class=""> IRSEE,</span><span class=""> Chairperson of VOC Port Authority,</span><span class=""> along with Deputy Chairperson Shri Rajesh Soundararajan,</span><span class=""> IAS,</span><span class=""> credited the collective dedication of all port departments for driving the environmental transition.</span></p><p data-path-to-node="15"><span class="">Purohit emphasized that the accolade mirrors the port's long-term corporate vision to expand its eco-friendly initiatives,</span><span class=""> support the Ministry of Ports,</span><span class=""> Shipping and Waterways' </span><i data-path-to-node="15" data-index-in-node="178" class="">Harit Sagar</i><span class=""> green port guidelines,</span><span class=""> and provide a scalable template for maritime infrastructure decarbonization nationwide.</span></p>