Mumbai, Oct. 28 -- Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) at VO Chidambaranar Port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, has been declared a green terminal after all its operational equipment was electrified, according to an official statement. Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar designated the facility during a review of port projects valued at Rs. 180 bn.
The secretary also flagged off 13 electric internal transfer vehicles to support cleaner and more energy-efficient container handling operations. The vehicles are expected to reduce dependence on conventional equipment within the terminal and support the port's wider efforts to develop lower-emission maritime infrastructure.
VOC Port chairman Sushanta Kumar Purohit said the port is among India's major ports, with annual cargo-handling capacity of 82 mn t. The port, one of the country's oldest operational ports, has trade links dating back to 123 AD, underlining its historical importance to the region's maritime activity.
During the visit, the secretary reviewed several green infrastructure initiatives, including a pilot methanol bunkering and refuelling facility, a green hydrogen pilot project and wind energy facilities. The projects have a combined value of more than Rs. 184 bn and form part of the port's plans to expand cleaner energy use across its operations.
The outer harbour is the largest project under construction, involving an investment of more than Rs. 150 bn. It is planned to add 4 mn t per year to the port's cargo-handling capacity and help position Tamil Nadu as a major transhipment hub for southern India. Port management is also developing supporting social infrastructure, including a golf course, a Kendriya Vidyalaya for employees and related facilities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.