India Gets Its First Green Hydrogen Hub and More: Unveiling 36 Transformative Projects
On February 27th, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced a significant development for India’s maritime sector. During a press conference, he revealed the launch of 36 transformative projects worth over Rs 17,000 crore, aligning with the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” (Developed India by 2047).
Highlighting the government’s commitment to its promises, Sonowal recalled the Prime Minister’s earlier declaration to elevate VOC Port as the primary transshipment hub on India’s east coast. He asserted that this commitment will be realized with the development of the Outer Harbour Container Terminal project, a Rs 7,056 crore venture. This project aims to significantly augment the container capacity of VOC Port Authority, contributing to the region’s economic growth. Moreover, it is expected to streamline logistics, leading to substantial cost and time savings.
The VOC Port is also slated to become India’s inaugural green hydrogen hub, signaling a paradigm shift towards clean energy production. A sizable land parcel of 500 acres has been allocated for this purpose, with a memorandum of understanding already inked with NTPC for the establishment of a green hydrogen production facility.
In a groundbreaking move towards self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), Cochin Shipyard Limited will unveil the nation’s first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry. This emission-free and noiseless vessel represents a significant stride towards India’s emergence as a manufacturer of hydrogen-powered vessels.
Additionally, the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) plans to retrofit two existing ships to run on green hydrogen, with a target of converting at least 50 percent of all tugs into green tugs by 2030. These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices in the maritime sector.
Highlights of the Announcement:
- VOC Port, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, to become India’s first green hydrogen hub: This port will establish an ecosystem for green ports and emerge as a major transshipment hub, facilitating the efficient movement of goods.
- Chennai Port to become the gateway to the Eastern Maritime Corridor: This corridor will connect India with Vladivostok, Russia, significantly reducing travel time for cargo between the two countries and boosting bilateral trade.
- 30 projects under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to be inaugurated: These projects, valued at Rs 10,324 crore, aim to improve India’s maritime infrastructure. Notably, six projects worth Rs 7,587 crore are specifically dedicated to Tamil Nadu’s ports.
- Development of Outer Harbour Container Terminal at VOC Port: This Rs 7,056 crore project will significantly increase the port’s container handling capacity, positioning it as a major hub on the east coast. It is expected to boost the state’s economy and reduce logistics costs.
- India’s first green hydrogen hub for large-scale production at VOC Port: This initiative, in collaboration with NTPC, utilizes 500 acres of land for green hydrogen production, promoting clean energy in the maritime sector.
- Launch of India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry: Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, this zero-emission vessel signifies a crucial step towards India becoming a manufacturer of hydrogen fuel vessels, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) initiative.
- Conversion of existing ships by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to run on green hydrogen: This initiative, along with the targeted conversion of 50% of tugs to green tugs by 2030, demonstrates India’s commitment to clean maritime operations.
- Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor to reduce travel time and distance: This corridor will cut down travel time for cargo between India and Far East Russia by up to 16 days, reducing the journey from 40 days to 24 days. Additionally, the distance between Chennai and Vladivostok is significantly shorter compared to the traditional route via the Suez Canal, offering substantial cost savings and improved efficiency.
Overall Significance:
These projects represent a significant investment in India’s maritime infrastructure, aiming to:
- Promote clean energy and sustainable practices in the sector.
- Enhance India’s position as a global maritime leader.
- Boost economic growth and international trade.
- Strengthen ties with Russia and other countries in the region.
This announcement marks a crucial step forward in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, showcasing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.
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