VOC Port Allocates Rs 41,860 Crore for Green Hydrogen Hub Ambition

V O Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu is making waves as it embarks on an ambitious journey to become India’s Green Hydrogen-Ammonia hub. With investments worth ₹41,860 crore, strategic capacity augmentation plans, and a focus on sustainable energy, the port is poised to redefine its role as a key player in India's maritime and renewable energy sectors.

Record Cargo Growth and Strategic Expansion

The VOC Port has demonstrated robust growth in cargo handling, managing 29.70 million tonnes of cargo and 5.62 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers as of December 19, 2024. This reflects an impressive growth rate of 1.87% and 6.74%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Recognizing the need to accommodate increasing cargo volumes, the port has initiated various capacity augmentation projects, including widening the entrance channel from 152.40 meters to 230 meters and constructing Berth 10 with a Length Over All (LOA) of 440 meters at an approximate cost of ₹80 crore.

Positioning as a Green Hydrogen-Ammonia Hub

In a strategic move to lead India's green energy revolution, VOC Port has allocated 501 acres of land to four companies to establish Green Hydrogen and Ammonia manufacturing and storage facilities. These projects, representing an investment of ₹41,860 crore, will position the port as a hub for green hydrogen and ammonia, essential components in the global energy transition.

A pilot demonstration for green hydrogen production, storage, and power generation using fuel cells is underway and is expected to be completed by January 2025. Additionally, the port is gearing up to execute a Green Hydrogen Pilot Bunkering project, showcasing its capabilities in bunkering and refueling green hydrogen and its derivatives.

A Gateway Port for South India

VOC Port Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit emphasized the port's strategic advantages, including its location on the East-West International Sea Route, seamless road and rail connectivity, and status as an all-weather port with the lowest container ship turnaround time. These factors, coupled with capacity augmentation efforts, position the port as the gateway port for South India.

Plans are also underway to enhance infrastructure for handling smaller vessels at the port’s oil jetty, with completion expected by mid-2025. These developments are set to boost the port’s efficiency, market share, and ability to accommodate diverse maritime needs.