New Delhi: V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, on 04.06.2026, has become the first Indian Port to partner with H2Global, Germany, for exploring innovative mechanisms to support the production, trade and export of clean fuels. In this regard, the Port signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with H2Global, represented by the H2Global Foundation and Hintco GmbH, to explore cooperation in the development of green hydrogen and clean shipping fuel trade corridors.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, by A. Ganesan, Chief Mechanical Engineer V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority and Dr. Maximilian Held, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Solutions Lab & Shipping Initiative, H2Global Foundation. Mr. Timo Bollerhey, Co-Founder of H2Global and CEO of H2Global Holding & Hintco GmbH, Andrea Helf, CFO, and other officials participated virtually during the signing ceremony.
The MoU aims to explore the feasibility of developing a double auction mechanism or similar auction-based models for clean shipping fuels for the Port. It will focus on assessing the role of port infrastructure in supporting clean fuel production and offtake, while examining implementation pathways for integrating Indian ports into international green fuel supply chains. The areas of cooperation include assessment of infrastructure and logistics requirements for storage, handling, bunkering, transport, certification, market creation, safety and export of green fuels, including green ammonia, green methanol and other hydrogen derivatives.
The collaboration is expected to facilitate stakeholder engagement among government agencies, industry participants, infrastructure operators, shipping companies, financial institutions and
potential off-takers. The partnership will also support the preparation of a roadmap for developing clean fuel trade corridors and strengthening the export ecosystem for green hydrogen derivatives from India to Germany and other European markets. This initiative reflects the commitment to realizing the vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for a Net Zero India by 2070.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, in his message conveyed that the partnership with H2Global marks an important step in the Port’s
journey towards becoming a leading hub for green energy exports and sustainable maritime operations. He added that the collaboration would support the development of green fuel infrastructure, strengthen India’s position in the global green fuels value chain, reduce import dependence on fossil fuels, and support India’s goals for energy security and industrial growth.
