V.O. Chidambaranar Port Receives ISO 50001:2018 Certification for Energy Management System, Becoming the First Among Indian Ports

Tutucorin:

Port Wings News Network:

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin has become the first port in India to be accredited with the ISO 50001:2018 Certification for Energy Management System, marking a significant milestone in the Port’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable port operations.

ISO 50001:2018 focuses on the systematic management of major energy-consuming areas, including cargo-handling equipment, lighting systems, buildings and HVAC systems, pumps, workshops and maintenance facilities.

The system encompasses energy consumption and losses, preventive maintenance, operational controls, energy monitoring and metering, renewable-energy systems such as solar and wind power, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, shore-to-ship power systems, and the continuous monitoring and improvement of energy performance and efficiency across port facilities.

The achievement recognizes the Port’s sustained commitment to systematic energy management, energy efficiency, energy conservation and continual improvement in energy performance. It reflects VOC Port’s efforts to optimize energy use, reduce carbon emissions and adopt globally accepted energy management practices across energy-intensive operations such as cargo-handling equipment, illumination, pumping systems, buildings, conveyor systems and marine & terminal operations. The Port has made significant progress in renewable energy adoption and decarbonization.

VOC Port has made significant progress towards becoming a Green and Sustainable Port by expanding its renewable-energy portfolio through 1.04 MW rooftop and 6 MW ground-mounted solar plants and 2 MW wind power projects. The Port has pioneered shore power facilities and electric mobility, reducing emissions and dependence on conventional fuels.

Port is also in the process of establishing 2 MW Ground based solar power plant, 8 MW Wind farm integrated with a 5 MWh Battery Energy Storage System and a 9 MW wind power farm. It has also established a Green Hydrogen Hub with a 10 Nm³/hr pilot project and is developing a 2 x 750m3 Green Methanol bunkering and refuelling facility, and shall be setting up a 3 MW Green Hydrogen production plant, further strengthening its commitment to clean energy, decarbonisation and sustainable port operations.

VOC Port has been recognised by Bureau Veritas, one of the world’s leading certification bodies, as the first major port in India to be recognised as a Scope-2

Emission Free Port, marking a significant milestone in its renewable energy and decarbonisation journey. For the financial year 2025–26, renewable energy sources accounted for 93.89% of the Port’s total electricity consumption.

It is pertinent to note that V.O. Chidambaranar Port has been a pioneer among Indian Major Ports in adopting internationally recognized management systems. The Port became the first Indian Major Port to obtain Quality Management System (QMS) certification under ISO 9001 in 1996 and the second to obtain Environmental Management System (EMS) certification under ISO 14001 in 2005, with both certifications successfully retained to date.

The Port has also been certified under the Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) since 10 April 2017. Further strengthening its commitment to quality, environmental sustainability and occupational safety, VOC Port became the first Indian Major Port to implement an Integrated Management System (IMS) in 2017, integrating QMS, EMS and OHSMS.

In his message, Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, stated that becoming the first port in India to be accredited with ISO 50001:2018 certification is a “landmark achievement” that reflects the Port’s unwavering commitment to responsible energy management and sustainable development.

Guided by the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and aligned with the vision of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, V.O. Chidambaranar Port continues to strengthen its energy efficiency initiatives, adopt innovative technologies and support India’s clean energy transition and long-term maritime decarbonisation goals.