Thoothukudi: The V.O. Chidambaranar Port is emerging as a potential green shipping corridor node on the India-Europe trade route, supported by its expanding green fuel infrastructure, according to V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) chairperson Sushant Kumar Purohit, Deccan Chronicle reported.
Purohit referred to a policy brief released by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) at the India Clean Transportation Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Titled “Positioning V.O. Chidambaranar Port for Maritime Decarbonisation,” the assessment highlighted opportunities for the port to expand green fuel offtake and bunkering, connect with shipping operators linked to the European Union and establish partnerships with international ports.
The port has been designated a Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and was the first Indian port to produce green hydrogen. It currently has a 10 Nm³/hr green hydrogen pilot project and is nearing completion of two 750-cubic-metre green methanol storage facilities. A dedicated green ammonia berth is also being developed.
Purohit said the port is expanding shore-to-ship power facilities across all berths and is pursuing projects involving green tugs, a 3 MW green hydrogen plant, solar and wind power generation, and a 5 MWh battery energy storage system.
The port has allotted around 501 acres to green fuel developers, involving proposed investments of approximately Rs 41,860 crore. It handled around 1.45 lakh tonnes of liquid ammonia during 2024-25, indicating an existing base for handling green fuel-related commodities.
According to Purohit, the ICCT assessment could provide strategic direction for connecting clean fuel production at the port with emerging maritime fuel demand and international green shipping networks.
The focus is particularly on the India-Europe trade corridor, where growing decarbonisation requirements could create demand for alternative maritime fuels such as green hydrogen, green methanol and green ammonia.
