V. O. C. Port launches India's first Digital Twin

TL;DR

V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority launched India's first Digital Twin platform for port management.
Platform offers real-time visualisation of berth occupancy, vessel movements, crane use, and yard capacity.
Move supports smart, efficient maritime operations through technology.

The story at a glance

V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi became the first Indian port to launch a Digital Twin initiative. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the platform during his recent visit. This step aims at smart, technology-driven port management.[[1]](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/v-o-c-port-becomes-first-port-in-india-to-launch-digital-twin-initiative/article70735694.ece)

Key points

Port achieved a major technological milestone as the first in India with this Digital Twin for real-time operational monitoring.[[1]](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/v-o-c-port-becomes-first-port-in-india-to-launch-digital-twin-initiative/article70735694.ece)
Platform provides live visualisation of key operations: berth occupancy, vessel movements, crane utilisation, and yard capacity.[[1]](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/v-o-c-port-becomes-first-port-in-india-to-launch-digital-twin-initiative/article70735694.ece)
Inaugurated on 23 February 2026 by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during his visit to Thoothukudi.[[2]](https://www.itln.in/shipping/voc-port-authority-becomes-indias-first-digital-twin-for-maritime-excellence-1358385)
Initiative integrates technologies like IoT sensors, GPS, LiDAR, drone imaging, and CCTV for a virtual replica of port infrastructure.[[3]](https://www.instagram.com/p/DVz-crvDPX_)

Details and context

The Digital Twin creates a high-fidelity virtual model of the port's operations, assets, and ecosystem to aid data-driven decisions. It fits into broader efforts at V. O. Chidambaranar Port for modernisation, including past "firsts" like green hydrogen production. No conflicting reports appear in coverage from official sources or maritime news.[[4]](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2239056%C2%AE%3D3&lang=1)[[5]](https://thedigitalship.com/news/electronics-navigation/voc-port-launches-digital-twin-platform)

Why it matters

This launch advances India's port efficiency and aligns with national goals for digital maritime infrastructure. Port operators and shipping firms gain tools for better oversight, potentially cutting delays and costs. Watch for performance data or expansion to other ports in coming months.[[1]](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/v-o-c-port-becomes-first-port-in-india-to-launch-digital-twin-initiative/article70735694.ece)