Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, reviewed the progress of green initiatives of VOC Port

On 28 May 2026, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, conducted a high-level review of green infrastructure projects at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port Authority. The visit focused on accelerating the transition toward sustainable maritime operations and renewable energy integration within Indian ports. By fostering strategic partnerships and exchanging Memorandums of Understanding, VOC Port aims to align its operational framework with national green energy mandates, positioning itself as a pivotal hub for future-ready maritime logistics.

This initiative aligns with the broader decarbonization goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under MARPOL Annex VI, which mandates strict limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. Furthermore, compliance with the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements under SOLAS Chapter II-1 is becoming critical for vessels calling at modernized ports. As VOC Port upgrades its infrastructure to support shore power supply and green hydrogen bunkering, it ensures that visiting fleets remain compliant with evolving international environmental regulations and classification society standards.

Chief engineers and second engineers must prepare for the operational shift toward green bunkering and shore-to-ship power connectivity. These officers need to familiarize themselves with new bunkering protocols and the technical requirements for managing low-carbon fuel systems. Understanding the integration of port-side renewable energy grids with onboard power management systems is now essential for maintaining vessel compliance and operational efficiency during port calls at facilities transitioning to sustainable energy infrastructure.