Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday released the V.O.C. Port Authority Sustainability Report 2026, launched PortGPT mobile application, at New Delhi and inaugurated the ‘vidya pravesh’ for the academic year 2026-27 at the newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya at the Port Colony in Thoothukudi, through video conference.

According to a press statement from V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority, V.O.C Port Authority Sustainability Report 2026- “Towards a Green Maritime Future,” is the port’s first detailed sustainability disclosure. The report documents the port’s progress in renewable energy adoption, environmental stewardship, carbon reduction, sustainable port operations, while placing its green transition within the larger national maritime vision.

Further reinforcing its direction, V.O.C Port Authority was awarded with certification recognising it as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port.

Mobile application

As part of the digital transformation initiatives, Mr. Sonowal had launched the PortGPT Mobile application, making V.O.C. Port Authority the first major port in India to extend an enterprise-grade generative artificial intelligence platform through a dedicated mobile application.

The initiative has been aimed at supporting knowledge access, operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making, while contributing to port’s long-term Digital Twin and smart-port vision.

The event also witnessed the release of IIM-Calcutta’s case study titled, “The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.”

V.O.C. Port Authority also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara. The partnership would cover research, innovation, logistics education, capacity building and sustainable port development and is expected to support the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics and Port Management.

It is to be noted that the newly established Kendriya Vidyalaya would function at the Port School campus in Thoothukudi.

Commenting on the developments, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, 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 also creating value for employees, the local community and the maritime sector.