Secretary, MoPSW Visits Key Facilities and Reviews Development Initiatives at VOCPA
On 20 October 2026, Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin, to review key port facilities and ongoing initiatives in green port development, digital transformation and infrastructure modernisation.
The visit featured an overview of key development initiatives, including tours of the Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant, the Green Port Masterplan War Room, the AR/VR Lab for operational excellence and emergency preparedness, and other strategic facilities. The showcase underscored VOCPA’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, technology-driven and future-ready port operations.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@susanta35
#VOCPort #MoPSW #GreenPort #DigitalTransformation #MaritimeIndia
Took a moment in Seoul to visit the historic Deoksugung Palace. As one of the Five Grand Palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, it beautifully harmonises traditional Korean architecture with Western influences.
Walking through the grounds where Emperor Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire in 1897 is a profound reminder of Korea's resilience and its transformative journey of modernisation.
A wonderful experience!
Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal met HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun in Seoul to advance the proposed $4 billion shipyard project at Thoothukudi, boosting India’s shipbuilding capabilities. 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇷
#MaritimeIndia#Shipbuilding#MakeInIndia#IndiaKoreaPartnership
A defining milestone for India’s maritime future! In Seoul today, I met with HD Hyundai Chairman Mr. Chung Ki-sun to rapidly advance the massive $4 billion greenfield mega shipyard at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
Guided by Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision, India is poised to become a core pillar of HD Hyundai's global future as it reiterates its commitment to participate as the primary strategic investor in this flagship project.
To accelerate execution on the ground, a Joint Working Group comprising officials from both sides would steer the project, aiming to finalise the joint venture structure and DPR within six months.
By combining South Korea's technological capabilities with India's massive domestic vessel demand, we are driving deep technology transfer and localised manufacturing to build a globally competitive shipbuilding ecosystem. 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇷
⚓ India–South Korea Bilateral Engagement | Advancing Maritime Cooperation
Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, Paradip Port Authority (PPA), engaged with the high-level delegation from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, led by Mr. Sangkyun Lee, Vice Chairman & CEO, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The delegation included senior executives representing production, corporate planning and global business divisions of the two organisations.
The engagement focused on exploring avenues for cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime technology and port sector development, while strengthening India–South Korea maritime partnerships and advancing shared priorities for sustainable maritime growth.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@CMO_Odisha@PIB_ShipMin@PIB_India@PIBodisha@susanta35
#ParadipPort #ParadipPortAuthority #IndiaSouthKorea #HDHyundai #MaritimeCooperation #MaritimeIndia
Reaffirming Our Commitment to Integrity and Ethical Governance
As part of the Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin organised an Integrity Pledge ceremony, with participation from port employees, various departments and port users.
The pledge was administered by Chief Vigilance Officer Shri P. Kavin Maharaj, IOFS, and collectively reaffirmed by the participants, underscoring their commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public service.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@susanta35
#VigilanceAwarenessCampaign2026
#ProbityForProsperity
#VOCPort
#Integrity
#Transparency
India–South Korea Bilateral Meeting | Advancing Maritime Cooperation
Shri Mukesh Mangal, ITS, Additional Secretary, led the Indian delegation at the bilateral meeting with Mr. Nam Jaeheon, Vice Minister, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea. Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin joined the Indian delegation for the high-level engagement.
The meeting underscored the importance of strengthening India–South Korea cooperation in the maritime and port sectors, fostering international collaboration and advancing shared priorities for the future of maritime development.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@susanta35
#VOCPortAPortOfTheFuture
#IndiaSouthKorea
#MaritimeCooperation
#MaritimeIndia
Landed in Busan, Republic of Korea! 🇮🇳🇰🇷
Kicking off today by engaging with the vibrant Indian diaspora working in the shipbuilding sector, whose contributions to the global maritime ecosystem makes us immensely proud.
Looking forward to a wonderful interaction this evening. @IndiainROK
Union Minister Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurates the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 in Mumbai in the presence of MoS Smt. Anupriya Patel and Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha on the theme “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub”.
Strengthening economic cooperation with India, Japan has joined as partner country for India Chem 2026.
India Chem 2026 is being established as a key platform to advance India’s vision of becoming a global chemicals hub.
#IndiaChem2026 @shipmin_india@PIB_India@PIB_ShipMin@PIBodisha@IndiaChem_Ficci@CMO_Odisha@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp
An Auspicious Occasion in VOC Port’s Green Maritime Journey! 🌿🙏
Following the inauguration of the Green Methanol Bunkering Facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 11 October 2026, during the programme held in Chennai, a traditional Completion Pooja was performed at the facility.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOCPA, along with senior Port officials, marking the auspicious completion of this important green maritime infrastructure project.
Developed in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable maritime development, the facility represents a significant step towards supporting cleaner marine fuels and strengthening VOC Port’s position as a green-fuel hub.
With this landmark facility now inaugurated, VOC Port takes another meaningful step in advancing India's transition towards a greener and more sustainable maritime future.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@susanta35
#VOCPort #GreenMethanol #GreenShipping #GreenEnergy #SustainableMaritime
⚓ Strengthening Coal Handling Capabilities at Paradip Port
Paradip Port’s cargo ecosystem is supported by specialised terminal infrastructure designed to facilitate efficient and high-capacity coal movement.
KICTPPL, with a rated capacity of 10 MMTPA, features a 370-metre berth and 16.5-metre draft, enabling the handling of vessels up to 195,000 DWT. The terminal is equipped with 2 ship unloaders and 3 stacker-reclaimers to support efficient cargo operations.
With the capability to handle 2 rakes in just 1 hour and 15 minutes, KICTPPL strengthens Paradip Port’s coal handling capabilities, supporting seamless cargo movement and efficient rail connectivity.
Paradip Port Authority | Capacity for Trade. Connectivity for Growth.
@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@PIB_India@PIB_ShipMin@PIBodisha
#ParadipPort #KICTPPL #CoalHandling #PortInfrastructure #MaritimeIndia #LogisticsEfficiency
Led by the vision of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, India's maritime sector is powering India's economic engine like never before!
Through massive modernisation, our ports have doubled down on efficiency, cutting ship turnaround time by half and accelerating the reach of Made in India products to global markets at record speed.
#TNWelcomesModi
आज चेन्नई में माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी ने विभिन्न विकास परियोजनाओं की आधारशिला रखी, उद्घाटन किया और राष्ट्र को समर्पित किया। इस अवसर पर जनता को संबोधित करते हुए उन्होंने कहा कि आज देश में पोर्ट इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर को भी मजबूत बनाया जा रहा है ताकि शिपिंग सेक्टर नई ऊंचाइयों तक पहुंच सके। इसमें भी तमिलनाडु की बहुत बड़ी भूमिका है। इसी दिशा में केंद्र सरकार ने हाल ही में एक महत्वपूर्ण फैसला लिया है। करीब ₹17,000 करोड़ के इन्वेस्टमेंट से थूथुकुड़ी के वी.ओ.सी. पोर्ट को वर्ल्ड-क्लास मेगा कंटेनर और ग्रीन एनर्जी हब के रूप में विकसित किया जा रहा है।
@narendramodi
#PMModi #VOCPort #ThoothukudiPort #MaritimeIndia #PortInfrastructure #GreenEnergy
Fantastic achievement by Paradip Port!
Congratulations on breaking the 2022 record with an impressive 1,40,022 MT of coal loaded in a single day. Such team efforts are strengthening India's supply chains and driving the nation's economic engine forward.
Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, India's maritime infra is scaling unprecedented new heights. With an investment of over ₹17,000 crore, the VOC Port in Thoothukudi is being rapidly transformed into a world-class mega container and green energy hub.
This historic step will soon allow ultra-large container vessels to dock effortlessly, empowering Tamil Nadu to become a global hub for industry and transport.
@vocpa_tuticorin
#TNWelcomesModi
PARADIP PORT SETS NEW RECORD IN COAL LOADING!
1,40,022 Metric Tonnes. One Day. A New Benchmark.
Paradip Port Authority’s Mechanised Coal Handling Plant (MCHP) recorded its highest-ever single-day coal loading of 1,40,022 MT on 10 October 2026, surpassing the previous record of 1,37,500 MT set on 29 May 2022.
This achievement reflects the operational strength of Paradip Port’s mechanised cargo-handling infrastructure and the coordinated efforts of its workforce.
Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, Paradip Port Authority, congratulated the officers, employees and workers associated with MCHP, acknowledging their contribution to this achievement.
Paradip Port — Greater Capacity. Higher Performance. Stronger Maritime Future.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@CMO_Odisha@SampadSwainBJP@PIB_ShipMin@PIB_India@PIBodisha
#ParadipPort #MegaPort #CoalHandling #PortOperations #MaritimeIndia #Odisha
Chairperson Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, interacted with Ms. Linda Hastedt, Port Energy Solutions, Port of Hamburg; Ms. Sameeha Sule, Chief Representative of Hamburg to India; Mr. Georg Jahnsen, Project Manager, GIZ; and Mr. Sarthak Agarwal, Energy Advisor, GIZ India, during Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026.
The discussion focused on port energy solutions, green fuels, decarbonisation and opportunities to strengthen sustainable maritime practices through knowledge sharing and cooperation.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@PortofHamburg@giz_gmbh@susanta35
#VOCPort
#Sagarmanthan2026
#GreenPorts
#GreenShipping
#PortEnergy
#MaritimeDecarbonisation
Chairperson Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, interacted with representatives from the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, including Ms. Fiona McIlwham, Head of Public Affairs; Mr. Christian Vingtoft, Senior Consultant; Mr. Gonzalo Sanz, Senior Consultant; and Mr. Mark Stark, Energy System Transition Manager.
The interaction focused on the evolving global maritime energy transition, opportunities for decarbonisation and the role of ports in enabling cleaner and more sustainable shipping solutions.
The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on emerging technologies, green fuels and the transition towards a zero-carbon maritime future.
@PMOIndia@sarbanandsonwal@Shantanu_bjp@shipmin_india@susanta35
#VOCPort
#ZeroCarbonShipping
#MaritimeDecarbonisation
#GreenShipping
#GreenFuels
#EnergyTransition