Tata Motors Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) to deploy 40 green hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2 ICE)-powered prime movers at the port in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The MoU was signed in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Under the agreement, Tata Motors will begin trials with one hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by phased deployment of 40 H2 ICE-powered vehicles over two years. The project is funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The fleet will include the Tata Motors Prima 55-tonne prime mover. The vehicles will be used for cargo transportation within port operations.
According to Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support the phased induction of these Green Hydrogen trucks, the port is also progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyzer and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This project along with various other initiatives related to green fuels reinforces our commitment towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”
Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, stated that “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Association marks an important milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucking into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authoritiesto assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions.”
Tata Motors develops commercial vehicles powered by battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. In 2025, the company began hydrogen-powered truck trials on selected freight corridors in India. It also secured a tender for 15 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) buses, which are currently deployed in India.
Tata Motors Limited, part of the Tata Group, was renamed from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited to Tata Motors Limited effective 29 October 2025, following approval of a Composite Scheme of Arrangement by the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench. The company is listed on BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.
Also read: Tata Motors to supply 100 electric buses to Green Energy Mobility Solutions
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