New Delhi, June 23: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated several significant projects and initiatives at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCAP) on Tuesday. The initiatives include a partnership with Gati Shakti University, a case study from IIM Kolkata, the launch of the PortGPT mobile app, the 2026 Sustainability Report, and the establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya.
The event, held at the Transport Bhawan in New Delhi, was attended by senior officials from the ministry, representatives from educational institutions, industry experts, and officials from the VOC Port Authority. The aim was to advance the goals of a developed India, the Maritime India Vision 2030, and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The VOC Port Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti University in Vadodara. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in research, innovation, skill development, logistics education, and sustainable port development. Additionally, efforts will be made to establish a center of excellence for maritime logistics and port management.
The Union Minister also released a case study from the Indian Institute of Management Kolkata titled “The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.” This study highlights the efforts made by VOC Port in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable maritime development. It discusses how the port plays a crucial role in India’s green energy transition.
In a significant step towards digital transformation, Sonowal launched the PortGPT mobile app. With this, VOC Port has become the first major port in India to offer a generative artificial intelligence-based platform as a mobile application.
This app will enhance operational efficiency, improve knowledge management, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. It will also strengthen the port’s digital twin and long-term smart port plans.
The event also saw the release of VOCAP’s first comprehensive Sustainability Report 2026, titled “Towards a Green Maritime Future.” The report outlines achievements in environmental protection, renewable energy utilization, reduction of carbon emissions, and sustainable port operations.
Furthermore, VOC Port received certification as a “Scope-2 Emission Free Port,” reflecting its success in clean energy and low carbon emission operations.
Another significant achievement of the program was the commencement of the Kendriya Vidyalaya for the 2026-27 academic session within the VOC Port premises. The “Vidya Pravesh” program was launched via video conferencing.
Established with the approval of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, this school will initially operate from the port school premises, providing quality CBSE education to children of port employees, central government staff, and the local community.
Sonowal stated that VOC Port has demonstrated how a clear vision and strong planning can elevate a major port to new heights of development. He emphasized that initiatives like the MoU with Gati Shakti University, the PortGPT app, and the Kendriya Vidyalaya will reinforce the goals of a developed India and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, remarked that these initiatives reflect the ministry’s vision to make Indian ports technologically advanced, environmentally responsible, and socially connected.
Meanwhile, Sushant Kumar Purohit, Chairman of the VOC Port Authority, noted that the partnership with Gati Shakti University will open new opportunities in maritime logistics and skill development. He added that the PortGPT app, the Kendriya Vidyalaya, and the sustainability report strengthen the port’s commitment to its employees, the community, and the environment.
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