The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi has become the first port in the country to be accredited with the ISO 50001:2018 certification for energy management system.This certification marks a significant milestone in the port’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable port operations.According to the press release, this ISO certification 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 covers 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 continuous monitoring and improvement of energy performance and efficiency across port facilities.It is pertinent to note that 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.Speaking on this achievement, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, V.O.C. Port Authority, said 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. Published - August 10, 2026 08:44 pm IST