India embarks on indigenous green hydrogen shipbuilding mission

In a major step toward sustainable maritime transportation, India had initiated the construction of its first green hydrogen-powered ships, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday (August 8, 2025).

The response came after MP Kesineni Shivanath raised a question regarding the development of hydrogen-based vessels.

The Union Minister revealed that Cochin Shipyard Limited and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited were currently building one ship each, powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells developed using indigenous technology.

These efforts align with the government’s broader vision to promote eco-friendly fuel alternatives and reduce pollution in maritime transport, he said.

To support the green transition, the Centre had earmarked ₹115 crore under the National Green Hydrogen Mission for the period up to 2025–26. These funds would be used for ship design, technology trials, infrastructure development, and pilot projects.

The green hydrogen ship initiative was being implemented in two phases. The first phase focuses on retrofitting existing vessels to operate on hydrogen fuel, while the second phase includes the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure at key ports.

Key agencies such as the Shipping Corporation of India and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) had been designated as implementation partners. The VOCPA had already prepared a project proposal for a 750 cubic metre green methanol bunkering facility in Tuticorin, which was one of the selected locations for green hydrogen infrastructure development.

Other ports such as Deendayal Port, Paradip Port, and Tuticorin Port were also being developed as hydrogen hubs, as part of the government’s roadmap to turn these facilities into centres of production and export of green hydrogen.

“These strategic moves will not only enhance India’s use of clean and renewable fuels but also help in drastically reducing pollution levels in sea routes,” the Union Minister said, adding that the bold initiatives taken by the Central government would place India at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and set the stage for a cleaner, future-ready maritime sector.