en.Wedoany.com Reported - The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in India has been awarded the ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System certification, becoming the first port in the country to receive this certification. The certification focuses on major energy-consuming areas such as cargo handling equipment, lighting systems, buildings and HVAC systems, pumping stations, workshops, and maintenance facilities. The management scope covers energy consumption and losses, preventive maintenance, operational control, energy monitoring and metering, renewable energy systems including solar and wind power, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, shore power systems, as well as continuous monitoring and improvement of the port's energy performance and efficiency.
This certification reflects the port's long-term commitment to systematic energy management, energy efficiency improvement, energy conservation, and continuous enhancement of energy performance, with related practices covering cargo handling equipment, lighting, pumping systems, buildings, conveyor systems, and maritime and terminal operations. The port has achieved phased progress in renewable energy adoption and decarbonization, with its renewable energy portfolio including a 1.04 MW rooftop solar power plant, a 6 MW ground-mounted solar power plant, and a 2 MW wind power project. The port has also taken the lead in adopting shore power facilities and electric mobility to reduce emissions and dependence on conventional fuels.
Currently, VOC Port is advancing multiple clean energy projects, including the construction of a 2 MW ground-mounted solar power plant, an 8 MW wind farm (integrated with a 5 MWh battery energy storage system), and a 9 MW wind farm. The port has also established a green hydrogen hub featuring a 10 Nm³/h pilot project, and is developing 2×750 m³ green methanol bunkering and refueling facilities, along with the construction of a 3 MW green hydrogen production plant. The port has been certified by Bureau Veritas as India's first major port designated as a "Scope 2 Zero Emission Port." In fiscal year 2025-26, renewable energy accounted for 93.89% of the port's total electricity consumption.
The V.O. Chidambaranar Port is one of India's major ports to have adopted internationally recognized management systems at an early stage. The port became the first major port in India to obtain ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification in 1996, and the second to receive ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification in 2005, with both certifications remaining valid to date. Since April 10, 2017, the port has also held Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification. In 2017, VOC Port became the first major port in India to implement an Integrated Management System (IMS), integrating quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety management systems into a unified framework.
Sushanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, stated that becoming India's first port to receive ISO 50001:2018 certification is a landmark achievement, reflecting the port's commitment to responsible energy management and sustainable development. He also mentioned that under the leadership of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and in alignment with the Ministry's Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, as well as the vision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, the port will continue to strengthen energy efficiency initiatives, adopt innovative technologies, and support India's clean energy transition and long-term maritime decarbonization goals.
