Green Hydrogen Pilot Project

Background of the initiative

Green Hydrogen Pilot Project: The V.O. Chidambaranar (VoC) Port, located at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, is set to launch a Green Hydrogen Pilot Project as part of India’s clean energy transition. The project focuses on integrating green hydrogen into port-based maritime operations. This marks a significant shift towards low-carbon shipping infrastructure in India.

The initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from hard-to-abate sectors. Shipping is one of the major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Ports play a central role in enabling cleaner maritime fuels.

Static GK fact: V.O. Chidambaranar Port is one of India’s major ports located on the Gulf of Mannar, along the southeast coast.

Green hydrogen bunkering facility

A key component of the pilot project is the establishment of a green hydrogen bunkering facility. Bunkering refers to the refuelling of ships with energy sources required for maritime operations. Traditionally, this has relied on fossil-based marine fuels.

Under this project, ships will be refuelled using green hydrogen and its derivatives such as green ammonia or green methanol. These fuels are produced using renewable energy sources and emit near-zero carbon emissions during use.

This facility will be among the early demonstrations of hydrogen bunkering in Indian ports. It will help test the technical, safety, and operational feasibility of hydrogen-based maritime fuel systems.

Support for domestic and international shipping

The green hydrogen bunkering facility is designed to support ships operating on both domestic and international routes. This is critical because international shipping faces increasing pressure to comply with global emission reduction norms.

Access to green fuel infrastructure at ports improves the attractiveness of Indian ports in global shipping networks. It also supports Indian shipping companies in meeting future environmental regulations without relying on foreign refuelling hubs.

Static GK Tip: International maritime emissions are regulated under frameworks linked to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which targets long-term emission reduction.

Role in reducing shipping emissions

The primary objective of the pilot project is to reduce CO₂ emissions from the shipping sector. Conventional marine fuels emit carbon dioxide, sulphur oxides, and nitrogen oxides, contributing to climate change and marine pollution.

Green hydrogen, when used as a fuel, produces only water vapour as a by-product. Its derivatives also significantly lower lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels. This makes it a crucial solution for decarbonising long-distance maritime transport.

The project also helps generate operational data that can guide policy formulation and large-scale adoption of green fuels in Indian ports.

Strategic importance for India

The VoC Port green hydrogen initiative complements India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Ports are strategic locations for hydrogen storage, handling, and distribution.

By piloting hydrogen bunkering, India strengthens its port-led energy transition strategy. It also supports regional industrial development, renewable energy integration, and skill creation in emerging clean technologies.

Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu is one of India’s leading states in renewable energy capacity, particularly in wind and solar power.

Way forward

The Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at VoC Port serves as a proof-of-concept for cleaner maritime fuel ecosystems. Successful implementation can encourage replication across other major and non-major ports in India.

Over time, this can transform Indian ports into green energy hubs, supporting sustainable trade and climate-resilient maritime growth.

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