V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) has signed a three-year MoU with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International NV (PoABI) and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Center to accelerate green and digital port development, reinforcing India’s maritime ties with Europe.
Strategic Partnership for Green and Digital Ports
The agreement, inked by Rajesh Soundararajan (Deputy Chairperson, VOC Port) and Kristof Waterschoot (Managing Director, PoABI and APEC), focuses on capacity building, training, and best-practice sharing. Key priorities include greening port operations and integrating digital solutions for port management.
Alignment with VOC Port’s Sustainability Agenda
The MoU aligns with VOC Port’s broader sustainability push, which includes solar and wind power, green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production and bunkering. These initiatives position VOC Port as a leader in India’s green shipping transition.
The partnership also expands VOC Port’s international green energy collaborations, solidifying its role as a gateway for India’s sustainable maritime future.
Key Stakeholders and Next Steps
The signing ceremony included Damien Groetaers (Regional Coordinator, Indian Subcontinent) and Daljit Singh Kohli (India Representative, Port of Antwerp), alongside senior VOC Port officials. The agreement sets the stage for joint workshops and knowledge exchange over the next three years.
