To accelerate the switch to green fuel, the VO Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu and the Deendayal Port in Gujarat are both slated to be developed as hydrogen hubs.
Officials with knowledge of the development claimed that the shipping ministry has requested that these two ports purchase hydrogen-powered “green tug” boats, which are used to herd huge ships into berths. The source revealed that the Cochin Shipyard is far along in the development of hydrogen-powered green tugboats.
“Under the green tug transition programme, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Paradip Port, VOC Port and the Deendayal Port will be buying two green tugs each. In addition, hydrogen hubs will be set up at VOC and Deendayal ports to catalyse the transition towards green fuel,” a senior official said.
The Indian government is aiming to have two Indian ships that are powered by green hydrogen or its derivative fuels by 2027. Another two ships powered by green fuels are expected to be added every year.
