THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, MARCH 12, 2026
In a landmark move
towards technology-driven maritime infrastructure, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port
has become the first major port in India to implement a Digital Twin platform
for port management, marking a transformative step in the country’s journey
toward smart and efficient port operations.
The advanced platform
was inaugurated on February 23, 2026 by Sarbananda Sonowal, signalling a
significant milestone in the port’s transition toward intelligent and
technology-driven maritime management.
The Digital Twin
platform will create a real-time virtual replica of the port’s infrastructure,
operational assets and maritime ecosystem, enabling enhanced operational
visibility, predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making. By
integrating advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, GPS tracking, LiDAR
mapping, drone imaging and CCTV networks, the system will continuously mirror
real-time port conditions, ensuring seamless coordination across operational
departments.
Through live digital
visualisation, the platform will monitor berth occupancy, vessel movements,
crane utilisation and yard capacity across the port in real time. It will also
support predictive maintenance of cargo handling equipment through AI-based
asset monitoring, helping minimise equipment downtime and improving overall
operational reliability.
In addition, the
system enables intelligent berth and traffic optimisation by facilitating
better scheduling of vessels and cargo operations, thereby reducing congestion
and waiting time. It will also track energy consumption and emissions to
support sustainability goals, while providing scenario simulation tools that
allow operators to conduct “what-if” modelling to prepare for peak demand
situations and operational disruptions.
Officials say the
Digital Twin initiative is expected to significantly transform port efficiency
by reducing vessel turnaround time by up to 25 per cent, improving equipment
availability, enhancing operational safety through predictive alerts and
optimising energy utilisation to lower carbon emissions. The project is being
implemented in phases and is expected to strengthen the port’s resilience
against operational disruptions while promoting more sustainable and
data-driven port management.
The initiative aligns with the national maritime development roadmap under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 championed by Narendra Modi, which emphasises digitalisation and technological advancement to improve efficiency, transparency and the global competitiveness of Indian ports.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, stated that the implementation of the Digital Twin platform marks an important step in the port’s modernisation journey. By leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT and real-time data analytics, the initiative will enhance operational efficiency, improve vessel turnaround time and strengthen safety and sustainability while aligning the port with global smart port standards.
