India is rapidly transforming its maritime landscape, aiming to become a global leader in green hydrogen production and clean energy trade. During the India Maritime Week 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced significant investments and ambitious targets for renewable energy usage in major ports, positioning the nation for a sustainable maritime future.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has designated Deendayal, VO Chidambaranar, and Paradip Ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This milestone aims to position India as a leader in green hydrogen production, driving investments and fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem while targeting net-zero emissions by 2070.
ABB has signed a term sheet with SwitcH2 to deliver automation and electrification solutions for a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit off Portugal’s coast. This facility will produce green ammonia from green hydrogen, addressing the demand for low-carbon marine fuels while utilizing renewable energy and advanced integrated control systems.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a green hydrogen pilot plant at V O Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu, promoting alternative fuels. The 750 m³ capacity plant aligns with the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor initiative, enhancing VOC Port as a central hub for green fuel bunkering and supporting sustainable livelihoods through the Sagarmala programme.
VO Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi is poised to sign an MOU with NTPC to advance a 1 MW green hydrogen project. Ongoing studies for a Green Corridor involve collaboration with the EU and ports of Singapore and Rotterdam. The port is also modernizing its facilities and implementing renewable energy projects.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for key projects in Bhuj, Kutch, emphasizing the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) as a green hydrogen hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Investments over ₹1,100 crores aim to modernize infrastructure, enhance clean energy initiatives, and boost regional economic growth toward a Developed India by 2047.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent visit to the Netherlands established a green and digital corridor linking the Port of Rotterdam with Indian ports. This initiative targets green hydrogen exports to Europe, enhancing collaboration in digitalization, green shipping, and logistics optimization to bolster bilateral trade and support India’s Maritime Vision 2030.
PT HDF Energy Indonesia, a subsidiary of HDF Energy, is collaborating with the Ministry of Transportation, PT PLN, and PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry to study decarbonizing Indonesia’s maritime sector with green hydrogen. This initiative aims to convert maritime fleets to zero-emission solutions, positioning Indonesia as a leader in green hydrogen innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Cyient, GreenH, and Luxcara have teamed up to develop a cutting-edge green hydrogen facility in Bodø, Norway. This project will provide clean fuel to maritime transport in the Arctic Circle. With a focus on renewable energy sources, the collaboration aims to reduce emissions and align with climate goals.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has achieved a major milestone in green hydrogen use by supplying it onshore in Tokyo from the Winz Maru yacht as part of the Wind Hunter Project. This groundbreaking feat marks the first time a ship has provided green hydrogen for onshore use while underway.
The Klaipėda State Seaport Authority has launched Lithuania’s first green hydrogen and electricity-powered ship, a tanker designed to collect waste from vessels entering the port. Equipped with special tanks and a modern rainwater treatment plant, the ship can collect up to 400 cubic metres of liquid waste around the clock.
The Indian maritime sector is in need of a significant investment of $1 trillion by 2047 and ₹5 lakh crore by 2030 to reach its full potential. Green hydrogen production hubs are being established at key ports to decarbonize the shipping industry. India is set to become a major player in the global maritime market.
Alfa Laval has joined the Maritime Call to Action, a collaborative effort to accelerate zero-emission fuels by 2030. The initiative aims to promote scalable zero-emission fuels, investment in vessels using ammonia and methanol, and infrastructure for green hydrogen-derived fuels. This partnership emphasizes collaboration to drive decarbonization in the maritime sector through ecosystem-wide investments.
This week’s editorial highlights India’s maritime advancements from 07 to 13 October 2024, including its re-election to the IMO Council and collaborative icebreaker construction with Russia. Key topics include maritime safety improvements, sustainable shipping innovations, and environmental initiatives, positioning India as a pivotal player in the global maritime landscape.
At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced a $25 million investment to create hydrogen hubs at key Indian ports, enhancing the nation’s green shipping efforts. This initiative is part of India’s broader National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming for significant decarbonization of the marine industry and sustainable shipbuilding advancements.
