V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges Sign MoU for Green and Digital Port Development
Tuticorin:
Port Wings News Network:
In a significant step toward strengthening India–Europe maritime cooperation, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority on 9 July signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International NV (PoABI), Belgium, and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Center (APEC), Belgium, to explore cooperation in capacity building, green port initiatives and digital transformation of port operations.
The MoU was signed by Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, and Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International NV and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Center VZW, in the presence Damien Groetaers, Regional Coordinator, Indian Subcontinent, Daljit Singh Kohli, India Representative Port of Antwerp and senior officials of the port.
With this agreement, VOC Port deepens its engagement with one of Europe’s largest port and pioneers in sustainable hydrogen economy, reinforcing the port’s ambition to emerge as a leader in India’s green maritime transition.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to explore opportunities for cooperation through capacity building, Training, Workshops, Sharing best practices, with a strong focus on greening of port operations and integration of digital applications for port management.
The three-year agreement aligns with VOC Ports broader sustainability agenda, which spans solar and wind power, green hydrogen, green ammonia, and green methanol production and bunkering; initiatives that have positioned the port as a model for India’s green transition.
It also complements VOC Port’s growing portfolio of international green energy partnerships as it consolidates its role as a gateway to India’s green shipping future.
During the visit, the delegation was given a comprehensive presentation of the port’s achievements in green initiatives, digital transformation, and cargo growth, and toured key facilities including the Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant, the upcoming Green Methanol Bunkering Site, and the VOC Port Heritage Museum.
Speaking on the occasion, Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director, Port of Antwerp-Bruges International, stated that VOC Port is built on a very long history, reflecting the blend of heritage, innovation, operational excellence and global collaboration underpinning the partnership.
In his message, Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, conveyed that the partnership with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International NV and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Center marks an important step in strengthening international cooperation for sustainable and smart port development.
He added that the collaboration would support the Port’s initiatives in green transition, digital transformation, technology adoption and capacity building, while further strengthening its vision of becoming a technologically & globally competitive maritime gateway and steadfast transition towards clean energy as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India’s Panchamrit declaration at COP26.
About The Author
