V.O.C. port becomes India’s first plastic-free port

By Admin

09 Jun, 2025

In a significant stride towards sustainability, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) has officially become India’s first plastic-free port, marking a monumental achievement in the country’s green port initiatives. This historic milestone was celebrated during World Environment Day on 5th June 2025, under the global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”

A Grand Celebration of Environmental Commitment

The World Environment Day event at VOC Port was graced by prominent dignitaries including Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, and Shri B. Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson of the Cochin Port Authority, who jointly unveiled a plaque declaring the port as a “Plastic Free Zone.” They were joined by Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, Shri P. Kavin Maharaj, IOFS, Chief Vigilance Officer, and other senior port officials.

Leadership Speaks

Shri B. Kasiviswanathan, in his address, highlighted the pressing need for sustainable practices to protect the environment. He congratulated the port for achieving this remarkable distinction and distributed prizes to winners of various competitions held throughout World Environment Week.

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit emphasized the port’s comprehensive green initiatives, which reflect its dedication to building a cleaner and greener future. Meanwhile, Shri Rajesh Soundararajan appreciated the diverse activities conducted during the week, which laid a strong foundation for the accelerated implementation of sustainability projects at the port.

A Week of Green Initiatives

From June 1st to 5th, 2025, VOC Port organized a series of inspiring and engaging programs for its employees to promote environmental awareness. Activities included:

• Go Green Walkathon
  
  

• Sapling Distribution
  
  

• Green Pledge Ceremony
  
  

• “Best Out of Waste” Competition
  
  

• Slogan Writing & Rangoli Competitions
  
  

• “Green IQ” Awareness Quiz
  
  

• Photography & Reel Making Competitions
  
  

A creative Street Play on the theme “Plastic Free Zone” was also conducted at key port locations to sensitize the public and employees about the importance of environmental protection.

Pioneering Sustainable Projects

Beyond celebrating Environment Week, VOC Port is deeply invested in transforming its infrastructure and operations to support a sustainable future:

• Upgrading the administrative office to green certification standards
  
  

• Execution of a 1 MW Solar Power Project
  
  

• Consideration of a 2 MW Battery Storage System
  
  

• Tender process initiated for a 6 MW Wind Power Project and Green Methanol Bunkering
  
  

• Feasibility studies underway for Wind Tree, Solar Tree, and Offshore Wind Energy
  
  

• Progress on Shore-to-Ship Power Supply for coastal berths
  
  

• Planned MoU with NTPC for developing 1 MW Green Hydrogen
  
  

• Collaborative studies on Green Corridors with the EU, Singapore, and Rotterdam Ports, and the Deendayal Port Authority
  
  

• Ongoing discussions on establishing a biofuel corridor and advancing green hydrogen projects
  
  

A United Effort for a Greener Tomorrow

The event began with a warm welcome by Shri Srinivasa Rao Chilli, Chief Engineer, who provided insights into the port’s environmental initiatives. Smt. Sheba, Executive Engineer from the Civil Engineering Department, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the dedication and support of all participants in making World Environment Week a grand success.