The Government of India has come out with guidelines for undertaking pilot projects for using green hydrogen in the shipping sector. The guidelines, named “Scheme Guidelines for implementation of Pilot projects for use of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector”, have been issued by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on 1st February, 2024, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Under the Mission, along with other initiatives, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy will implement pilot projects in the shipping sector, for replacing fossil fuels and fossil fuel-based feedstock with Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. These pilot projects will be implemented through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the implementing agencies nominated under this Scheme.

Two areas have been identified as thrust areas under the pilot projects. These are retrofitting of existing ships so as to enable them to run on Green Hydrogen or its derivatives; and development of bunkering and refuelling facilities in ports on international shipping lanes for fuels based on Green Hydrogen.

The Scheme will be implemented with a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 115 crores till the financial year 2025-26.

The use of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives in the shipping sector, through the proposed pilot projects, will lead to the development of necessary infrastructure including refuelling stations, storage, and distribution networks, resulting in the establishment of a Green Hydrogen ecosystem in the shipping sector. The utilization of green hydrogen in the shipping industry is expected to increase over the years, with the expected reduction in its production cost.