In a landmark step towards sustainable maritime transport, India has begun constructing its first green hydrogen-powered ships, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Lok Sabha on August 8.

Cochin Shipyard Limited and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited are each building a vessel powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells developed with indigenous technology. The initiative forms part of the government’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, with ₹115 crore allocated until 2025–26 for ship design, technology trials, infrastructure, and pilot projects.

The project is being implemented in two phases — retrofitting existing ships to run on hydrogen fuel and developing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at key ports. Implementation partners include the Shipping Corporation of India and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), which has proposed a 750-cubic-metre green methanol bunkering facility in Tuticorin.

Ports including Deendayal, Paradip, and Tuticorin are also being developed as hydrogen hubs, aiming to position India as a future leader in clean maritime energy.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/india-embarks-on-indigenous-green-hydrogen-shipbuilding-mission/article69909917.ece