India’s Ports Power Ahead As Green Hydrogen Hubs

The Centre has launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to promote hydrogen-based industries.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said this recognition marks a historic moment in India’s maritime modernisation and its transformation toward global leadership. As Green Hydrogen Hubs, our ports will serve as catalysts for innovation in the clean energy sector. By leveraging their strategic locations along the eastern and western trade routes, India’s ports will not only benefit the nation but also drive sustainable logistics across the entire region.

Green Hydrogen Hubs

In June this year, revised guidelines for Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) and Green Hydrogen Hubs were issued, providing a framework to identify and support regions with potential for hydrogen-related activities. The framework allows recognition of such areas as Green Hydrogen Hubs even without direct MNRE financial support, enabling them to access incentives and benefits under other central or state schemes.

Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla

Located at Kandla in Gujarat, Deendayal Port is India’s largest major port by cargo handling volume, providing crucial connectivity to the western trade corridor and international shipping routes.
Its proximity to the Gulf countries and Europe via the Arabian Sea positions it as a key export gateway for green hydrogen and its derivatives such as ammonia and methanol.

Gujarat hosts a robust industrial ecosystem—including refineries, petrochemicals, fertilisers, and manufacturing—which creates a strong demand centre for green fuels.

Deendayal Port has deep-draft berths, storage capacity, and energy terminals, making it well-suited for hydrogen infrastructure, including liquefaction, storage, and transportation.

As part of the NGHM’s cluster approach, Deendayal Port will anchor the western hydrogen ecosystem, integrating industries, R&D centres, and logistics infrastructure to achieve economies of scale.

The recognition is expected to attract domestic and global green investments, fostering innovation in clean fuel technologies and port-led development.

Aligns with India’s 2070 Net Zero Emissions vision by enabling large-scale decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors like shipping, steel, and fertilisers.

VOC Port Authority, Tuticorin 

Situated at Tuticorin on the southeastern coast of India, VOC Port serves as a major maritime gateway to South India and Southeast Asian nations.

The port will serve as a production and distribution hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives like ammonia and methanol, strengthening India’s clean energy transition.

The region’s strong industrial base—including fertiliser, petrochemical, and heavy manufacturing sectors—creates high potential for hydrogen consumption and export.

VOC Port already has deep-draft berths, LNG handling capability, and renewable energy potential, making it suitable for hydrogen-related infrastructure development.

The hub is expected to attract green investments, boost export competitiveness, and create new opportunities in green fuel innovation and logistics.

Paradip Port Authority

Located on the east coast of India, Paradip Port is one of the country’s largest and busiest ports, serving as a critical maritime link for coal, iron ore, petroleum, and fertiliser industries across eastern and central India.

Paradip’s proximity to refineries, steel plants, and chemical industries in Odisha and neighbouring states provides a strong base for both hydrogen production and consumption.

The nearby Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) and large-scale fertiliser and steel units create an enabling ecosystem for green ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen-based fuel development.

Odisha’s rich solar and wind resources combined with Paradip’s coastal infrastructure support renewable-powered hydrogen generation projects.

Paradip’s deep-water facilities and global connectivity make it ideal for exporting green hydrogen derivatives to Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe.