The MoU signed between V.O. C. Port Authority and H2Global, Germany, intends to explore the feasibility of developing a double auction mechanism or similar auction-based models for clean shipping of fuels for the port.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In a landmark initiative, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has become the first Indian port to partner with H2Global, Germany, for exploring innovative mechanisms for supporting production, trade and export of clean fuels.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between V.O.C. Port Authority and H2Global, represented by H2Global Foundation and Hintco GmbH, to explore cooperation in development of green hydrogen and clean shipping fuel trade corridors.
The MoU intends to explore the feasibility of developing a double auction mechanism or similar auction-based models for clean shipping of fuels for the port. It will focus on analysing the role of port’s infrastructure in supporting clean fuel production and offtake, while examining the implementation pathways for integrating Indian ports into international green fuel supply chain.
The areas of collaboration include assessment of infrastructure and logistics requirements for storage, bunkering, transport, certification, market creation, safety and export of green fuels, including green ammonia, green methanol and other hydrogen derivatives.
The partnership is expected to facilitate stakeholder engagement among government agencies, industry participants, infrastructure operators, shipping companies, financial institutions and potential off-takers. It will also support the preparation of a roadmap for developing green fuel trade corridors and strengthening the export ecosystem of green hydrogen derivatives from India to Germany and other European markets.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, V.O.C. Port Authority, said the partnership marked an important step in the port’s journey towards becoming a leading hub of green energy exports and sustainable maritime operations.
It would support the development of green fuel infrastructure, strengthen India’s position in the global green fuels value chain, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support India’s goal for energy security and industrial growth, he added.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Rajesh Soundararajan, Deputy Chairperson, V.O.C. Port Authority. A. Ganesan, Chief Mechanical Engineer, V.O.C. Port Authority, and Maximilian Held, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Solutions, Lab & Shipping Initiative, H2Global Foundation, signed the agreement.
Published – June 06, 2026 08:00 pm IST
