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V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International NV (PoABI NV), Belgium, and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Centre , Belgium, to explore cooperation in capacity building, green port initiatives and digital transformation for port operations.

The MoU was signed by Deputy Chairperson of V.O.C. Port Authority Rajesh Soundararajan and Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director of PoABI NV and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Centre VZW.

According to a press statement from V.O.C. Port Authority, through this agreement has deepened its engagement with one of Europe’s largest ports and pioneers in sustainable hydrogen economy, thereby reinforcing the port’s ambition to emerge as a leader in India’s green maritime transition.

The statement said the MoU also aimed at exploring opportunities for cooperation through capacity building, training, workshops, sharing best practices with a strong focus on greening of port operations and integrations of digital applications for port management.

The three-year agreement aligned with V.O.C. Port’s broader sustainability agenda, which spanned solar and wind power, green hydrogen, green ammonia and green methanol production and bunkering initiatives that positioned the port as a model for India’s green transition.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Waterschoot said, “V.O.C. Port is built on a very long history, reflecting the blend of heritage, innovation, operational excellence and global collaboration underpinning the partnership.”

V.O.C. Port Authority Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit said the partnership with PoAB NV and APEC Antwerp-Flanders Port Training Centre marked an important milestone in strengthening international cooperation for sustainable and smart port development.

Published - July 11, 2026 08:10 pm IST