In a decisive move toward net-zero maritime operations, the V.O. Chidambaranar (VoC) Port is gearing up to launch a pioneering Green Hydrogen Pilot Project. This strategic initiative aims to establish a state-of-the-art bunkering facility capable of refueling ships with green hydrogen and its derivatives, signaling a major shift in India’s shipping infrastructure. The industry’s focus has shifted for Maritime decarbonization, reported Solar Quarter.
As per the news report, the development was confirmed by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in a recent parliamentary update to the Lok Sabha. According to the Minister, the project is designed to catalyze the phased transition to green fuels within the shipping sector, offering critical refueling support for vessels traversing both domestic and international trade routes.
Beyond its environmental mandate to drastically curtail CO₂ emissions, the initiative is projected to be a significant economic driver. The port’s transformation into a green fuel hub is expected to spur a wave of direct and indirect employment, specifically within the high-tech manufacturing, storage, and ancillary service sectors required to support a green hydrogen ecosystem.
India’s Hydrogen Landscape: Current Status (December 2025)
India is currently at an inflection point in its renewable energy journey, aggressively pursuing the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s target of producing 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030. As of late 2025, the sector is transitioning from policy formulation to infrastructure execution.
- Designated Hubs: The V.O. Chidambaranar Port is one of three major ports—alongside Deendayal Port (Kandla) and Paradip Port—identified by the government to be developed as specialized Green Hydrogen Hubs. These hubs are critical for handling the production, storage, and export of green ammonia and hydrogen.
- Policy Support: The implementation of the SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition) program is currently incentivizing electrolyzer manufacturing and green hydrogen production, helping to bridge the cost gap between green and grey hydrogen, which currently sits at approximately $3.5–$4 per kg versus $2 per kg for fossil-based variants.
Emerging Opportunities
The pilot at VoC Port opens the door to massive opportunities for stakeholders across the energy and maritime value chains:
- Export Potential: With the European Union and Japan setting strict import standards for carbon-intensive goods, Indian ports equipped with green bunkering facilities will become preferred stops for international green shipping corridors.
- Hard-to-Abate Sectors: The success of this pilot will serve as a blueprint for decarbonizing other “hard-to-abate” heavy industries, including steel, fertilizer, and long-haul logistics.
- Investment Magnet: The development of port-based hydrogen infrastructure presents a lucrative avenue for private sector investment in renewable energy generation (solar/wind) required to power the electrolyzers, as well as in cryogenic storage technologies.
