Last updated : February 15, 2026 7:37 pm
Based on projections and shipping decarbonisation trends, the port is expected to handle green methanol demand of around 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2030
VOC Port has inaugurated India's first port-based green hydrogen pilot project with a 10 Nm³/hr production facility that powers port streetlights and an EV charging station. What are the key learnings from this pilot, and how do you plan to scale green hydrogen production at the port?
The green hydrogen pilot plant at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has provided several critical learnings. First, it validated the technical feasibility of plant at port for green hydrogen production, with stable operations using renewable power. Second, it demonstrated production, storage, and application in powering port streetlights and an EV charging station without grid dependency.
Importantly, it enabled the port to understand and address end-to-end challenges across the project lifecycle, creating a clear institutional roadmap for faster and smoother scale-up. These learnings form the foundation for modular scale-up, where capacity can be expanded in phases to MW scale in near future.
What are the next phases planned following the green hydrogen pilot, in terms of capacity enhancement (Nm³/hr to tonnes per day) and integration with larger port operations?
For technology demonstration, VOCPA went ahead with green hydrogen plant in pilot scale. Simultaneously, port being declared as green hydrogen hub, it allotted land to the reputed firms for production of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Apart from the above VOCPA intends to scale up pilot plant to 10 MW which will be used for green mobility like deployment for hydrogen powered trucks for port operations.
Can you explain the anticipated timeline and readiness plan for transitioning from the pilot project to a full-fledged commercial green hydrogen facility at VOC Port?
The transition from pilot to commercial-scale green hydrogen at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority is being implemented through a phased and preparedness-driven approach. As part of its role as one of India’s emerging green hydrogen hubs, the port has already allotted 206 acres of land to Green Infra, ReNew, and Gentari for the establishment of commercial green hydrogen production facilities, significantly advancing project readiness beyond the pilot stage. First stage of green hydrogen production is expected in 2029. In the near term, the focus is on scaling up pilot green hydrogen plant in phased manner.
VOC Port has earmarked over Rs. 41,860 crore in land allocation for green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing and storage, involving multiple investors. How is port coordinating investments and partnerships to realise this green hydrogen hub vision?
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority is playing a proactive role as an enabler and infrastructure provider for facilitating large-scale green hydrogen projects. The port has earmarked and allotted dedicated land parcels to investors for green hydrogen, green ammonia manufacturing, and storage facilities, ensuring zoning clarity and long-term scalability. VOC Port is planning to develop common user infrastructure to optimise capital costs and enable faster project execution. The port will ensure pipeline connectivity within the port estate and up to designated export berths, facilitating seamless movement of hydrogen derivatives from production units to storage and shipping points. Port also plays a key role, regularly convening stakeholders through platforms such as the Green Conference conducted in August 2025, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and global experts to shape the green hydrogen and green shipping ecosystem. This integrated approach allows multiple large investors to operate efficiently within a cohesive hydrogen hub ecosystem, rather than in isolated project silos.
What strategic advantages does VOC Port believe its location and connectivity (road, rail, and maritime) provide in positioning itself as a national green hydrogen-ammonia hub of India?
The port is an all-weather port, offers excellent multimodal connectivity, with direct access to national highways, dedicated rail links, and deep-draft maritime infrastructure enabling efficient domestic movement and international exports. It is located in a region endowed with abundant renewable energy resources, particularly high solar irradiation and strong wind potential, ensuring reliable and cost-effective green power for hydrogen production. Strategically, VOC Port lies along the international sea route and emerging Rotterdam–Singapore Green Shipping Corridor, placing it at the centre of future low-carbon fuel trade routes and enhancing its attractiveness as a bunkering and export hub for green hydrogen derivatives.
VOC Port recently signed MoUs worth over Rs. 42,000 crore with major energy players (including Green Infra, ACME Green Hydrogen, and CGS Energy) for green hydrogen and green ammonia projects. How do these partnerships fit into the port's hydrogen roadmap, and what are the expected timelines for project delivery?
To ensure a structured and future-ready approach, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has onboarded a reputed consulting agency - BCG to support the preparation of a comprehensive long-term roadmap for green hydrogen and its derivatives. This roadmap is being developed in alignment with national objectives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and global maritime decarbonisation pathways under IMO roadmaps, ensuring policy coherence and international relevance. The MoUs signed with major energy players are being strategically aligned within this framework, so that investments in green hydrogen, green ammonia, and bunkering infrastructure progress in a phased, coordinated, and globally competitive manner.
How does the port engage with central ministries and state authorities to secure policy support, incentives, and approvals essential for hydrogen hub development?
At this nascent stage of green hydrogen development, ports require targeted financial and policy support to build enabling infrastructure.
In general, ports require financial assistance for two critical areas: power intake and development of common user infrastructure such as pipelines, storage interfaces, safety systems, and utility corridors. In this context, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has declared V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority as a green hydrogen hub, and the port engages regularly with central ministries and state authorities to seek support, align policies, and facilitate timely approvals. VOC Port is also actively coordinating with state agencies to address region-specific issues related to power availability, water supply, land development, and connectivity, ensuring that foundational infrastructure is created ahead of large-scale private investments.
VOC Port has announced plans for a green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility with a 750 m³ capacity? What role will this facility play in supporting clean shipping corridors, and what is the expected commissioning date?
The proposed green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority is planned to cater specifically to the bunkering requirements of green methanol–powered vessels, which are expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Situated along the Rotterdam–Singapore Green Shipping Corridor, VOC Port is strategically positioned to serve as a key refuelling point for low-carbon vessels operating on this route. Based on projections and shipping decarbonisation trends, the port is expected to handle green methanol demand of around 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2030. The green methanol bunkering facility, with a planned capacity of 750 m³, is targeted for commissioning on 17th March 2026, aligning with the global rollout of methanol-fuelled vessels. This facility will play a crucial role in supporting clean shipping corridors and India’s maritime decarbonisation goals.
What hydrogen storage, compression, and distribution infrastructure is being planned at VOC Port to serve industrial, maritime, and potential mobility sectors?
The port is undertaking fuel-specific feasibility assessments to determine appropriate storage technologies, safety systems, compression requirements, and distribution modes for each fuel. VOC Port is in active discussions with industry players and technology providers to align infrastructure development with project timelines, operational needs, and international safety standards.
Is the port exploring hydrogen bunkering for marine vessels or other industrial applications, and if so, what technology standards and safety protocols are being adopted?
At present, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority is primarily focused on green methanol bunkering, considering its higher level of technological maturity and vessel readiness. In parallel, the port is actively exploring green hydrogen bunkering for future maritime and industrial applications.
As part of this exploration, VOC Port is planning to tie up with reputed domestic and international organisations for specialised safety training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer related to hydrogen handling. Safety frameworks under consideration include compliance with OISD standards such as OISD-117 and OISD-118, along with applicable tank design norms, hazard zoning, emergency response systems, and global best practices.
How is VOC Port integrating renewable energy sources with green hydrogen production strategy to ensure round-the-clock low- carbon power supply?
The green hydrogen pilot plant is presently producing green hydrogen and utilising it for internal applications, demonstrating the effectiveness of renewable-powered hydrogen generation. To further strengthen this integration, VOC Port is in the process of establishing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which will enable seamless coupling of renewable energy power with the green hydrogen facility. The BESS will help manage intermittency, ensure power stability, and support continuous and reliable operation of the green hydrogen plant, while also catering to future increases in hydrogen production demand.
What sustainability performance metrics including lifecycle emissions, water usage, quality improvements, will the port track as part of its hydrogen and clean-energy initiatives?
As per the Harit Sagar Guidelines, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority is in the process of developing its own comprehensive sustainability performance matrix for green hydrogen and clean-energy initiatives. This matrix will cover renewable energy mix, source-to-offtake traceability, lifecycle emissions, operational efficiency, and water usage, ensuring alignment with national port decarbonisation frameworks. The port’s customised monitoring framework is currently under preparation and is expected to be finalised and operational within the next six months, enabling structured tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement.
What are the estimated Capex and operating cost projections for scaling VOC Port's hydrogen hub projects from pilot to full commercial operations?
At V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, the port’s approach to capital and operating expenditure is structured around its role as a facilitator and ecosystem enabler. VOC Port primarily supports projects by providing land, developing common user infrastructure, and ensuring access to utilities such as renewable energy, water, and connectivity, rather than directly investing in large-scale commercial plants. Large commercial green hydrogen and derivative fuel projects are expected to be developed and operated largely under PPP models, with the port extending full facilitation support to private developers. Direct port investment is currently focused on pilot and demonstration projects, which help de-risk technologies, build operational experience, and create confidence for subsequent commercial-scale investments.
What role does VOC Port expect to play in India's broader hydrogen ecosystem as a major bunkering and export hub for green ammonia/hydrogen, or primarily as a regional industrial supply node?
Tuticorin is strategically located close to major international sea routes, unlike many other green hydrogen hubs that are inland or require long-distance logistics to reach export markets. This gives VOC Port a natural advantage for direct bunkering and export of green ammonia and green hydrogen derivatives. Leveraging its position along the Rotterdam–Singapore Green Shipping Corridor, deep-draft berths, and extensive experience in handling bulk chemicals, the port aims to emerge as a major bunkering and export hub for green fuels. At the same time, VOC Port will function as a regional industrial supply node, supporting nearby industries with green hydrogen and derivative fuels for decarbonisation. By combining proximity to international shipping lanes, strong hinterland connectivity, and an integrated hydrogen ecosystem, VOC Port is uniquely positioned to act as a gateway linking India’s green hydrogen production with global markets and domestic demand.
How does the port plan to address supply-chain constraints such as electrolyser availability, storage equipment, skilled workforce when scaling hydrogen production and distribution?
Predominantly facilitation for establishment green hydrogen derivatives is a part of the broad plan of the government. Individual developers are well in place to source the technology and its implementation. However, if there is a supply chain issue in major components port will intervene in consultation with relevant ministries. In parallel, the port is focusing on training and skill development, including tie-ups with domestic and international institutions, to ensure availability of a skilled workforce for hydrogen production, handling, safety, and operations as the ecosystem scales up.
How is VOC Port aligning its hydrogen initiatives with national targets such as ports having hydrogen/ammonia bunkering infrastructure by 2035 and what milestones has the port set towards 2030/35?
VOC Port has initiated India’s first port-based green hydrogen pilot, planned for commissioning of a green methanol bunkering facility by March 17, 2026, and has allotted land for commercial green hydrogen projects—laying essential early infrastructure and operational experience. The port is progressing towards establishing green hydrogen and its derivatives bunkering infrastructure, bulk storage, and export capability as part of its broader hydrogen hub vision. This includes developing pipelines, storage systems, integration with renewable energy, and multi-fuel bunkering facilities that support national decarbonisation pathways.
How is VOCPA positioning itself from green fuel perspective?
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority is positioning itself not only as a green hydrogen hub, but also as an emerging offshore wind hub, placing the port at the forefront of decarbonisation in the Indian port sector. By combining green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methanol, offshore wind, renewable energy integration, and clean bunkering initiatives, VOC Port is adopting a holistic approach to port-led energy transition, setting benchmarks for other ports in the country.
The port actively encourages innovation and pilot projects and extends full facilitation support to firms, startups, technology providers, and research institutions interested in demonstrating green and clean-energy solutions within the port ecosystem. VOC Port remains open and accessible to all stakeholders willing to partner in this journey, and interested organisations are encouraged to engage directly with the port to explore pilot projects and collaborative opportunities that advance decarbonisation of the maritime and port sector.
The chemical industry is increasingly discussing green and sustainable chemistry. From a port perspective, how do you see this transition?
The transition to green chemistry is often discussed in terms of technology or policy, but from our perspective, the real constraint is infrastructure readiness. The ports are fully capable of handling green fuels unlock large scale green hubs in the surrounding encouraging supply to pick up momentum. This will have multi-order effect downstream and upstream with port led ecosystem and industrialisation taking shape rapidly. Lack of ready ports will increase cost of value chain multifold.
At VOCPA, we are already among the pioneers in handling green molecules. Our already operational green hydrogen plant, our proven handling of green ammonia cargo serve as testament to our capabilities. We are now fully scaling and gearing up for large scale volume movements from India to both East and West emerging as a noe for Green Energy for India.
What do chemical manufacturers typically look for in a port when planning future-facing investments, especially in emerging segments like green chemicals?
What the industry values most is predictability. In emerging segments such as green chemicals, margins are still stabilising and supply chains are evolving. In that environment, incentives matter far less than operational certainty. Manufacturers want confidence that cargo will move safely, on time, and within clearly defined systems. At VOCPA, our strength lies in institutional stability and operational discipline. We are not in a reactive mode. The port is already efficient and profitable, which allows us to focus on supporting future cargo streams with clarity and consistency. For green chemical manufacturers, that predictability reduces risk. And when risk reduces, investment decisions become easier.