V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority Hosts First-of-its-Kind ‘AI-Powered Ports’ Session atIndia AI Impact Summit 2026

By Admin

19 Feb, 2026

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority Leads the AI Dialogue

On February 17, 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) hosted a pioneering session titled “AI-Powered Ports: Reimagining Efficiency and Operations” at the prestigious India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Conceived as a first-of-its-kind initiative by an Indian port, the session marked a defining milestone in aligning India’s maritime infrastructure with the nation’s broader artificial intelligence transformation journey. The initiative positioned ports not merely as trade gateways but as strategic digital assets in India’s technological evolution.

From Smart Ports to “Thinking Ports”

Co-organised in collaboration with the Institute for Governance, Policies and Politics (IGPP), the session brought together senior policymakers, industry leaders, infrastructure experts, and technology strategists.

The conversation deliberately moved beyond the conventional idea of “Smart Ports.” Instead, it introduced a more evolved and ambitious concept   “Thinking Ports.”

Unlike smart systems that primarily automate workflows, “Thinking Ports” integrate intelligence into:

• Governance frameworks
  
  

• Logistics management
  
  

• Long-term infrastructure planning
  
  

• Strategic trade facilitation
  
  

This shift reflects a deeper transformation   from automation to cognitive infrastructure.

How AI Can Transform India’s Maritime Ecosystem

The panel explored how AI-driven systems can significantly enhance port operations through:

Operational Efficiency

Real-time analytics and intelligent scheduling systems can reduce vessel turnaround time and improve terminal productivity.

Predictive Maintenance

AI-based monitoring tools can anticipate equipment failures, ensuring preventive action and minimizing downtime.

Optimised Cargo Movement

Machine learning algorithms can streamline cargo routing, storage allocation, and evacuation planning, improving supply chain reliability.

Strategic Trade Facilitation

Advanced data integration across ports, customs, and logistics stakeholders can enable better policy decisions and trade competitiveness.

Speakers emphasised that as ports remain central to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness, embedding intelligence into critical infrastructure is no longer optional   it is imperative.

Distinguished Panel of Leaders and Experts

The session featured an eminent panel representing policy, technology, governance, and industry:

• Gourav Vallabh, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
  
  

• T. K. Ramachandran, IAS, Former Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  
  

• Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
  
  

• J M Baxi Group represented by Manish Jaiswal, Chief Technology Officer
  
  

• Adani Group represented by Subrat Tripathy, Advisor
  
  

• Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
  
  

• Manish Tiwari, Director, IGPP
  
  

• AZB & Partners represented by Ms. Aprajita Rana, Partner
  
  

The exchange balanced visionary thinking with practical insights. Discussions highlighted not just technological opportunities but also institutional readiness, regulatory coordination, and the importance of resilient, interoperable systems.

Building Momentum: From Tuticorin to New Delhi

Importantly, this summit engagement followed a pre-event AI-focused summit hosted by VOCPA in Tuticorin on February 9, 2026. That earlier dialogue initiated structured conversations around integrating advanced technologies into maritime operations.

Together, these initiatives signal VOCPA’s sustained commitment to leading innovation within India’s port ecosystem.

A National Conversation on Intelligent Infrastructure

By placing artificial intelligence at the centre of maritime strategy, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has initiated a meaningful national conversation.

The event reinforced a powerful message:

Indian ports must evolve from being mere physical gateways of trade to intelligent, responsive pillars of economic transformation.

As India accelerates toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, the integration of AI into maritime infrastructure will define the next chapter of efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness in global trade.

V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority’s leadership at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 stands as a landmark moment   one that signals the arrival of truly AI-powered, thinking ports in India.