In an ambitious move to steer its maritime sector towards sustainability, India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has announced a comprehensive program that combines retrofitting ships with green hydrogen technology and setting up ammonia fueling stations at ports. With a total budget of Rs 1,150 million (approximately $18 million), the initiative underscores India’s commitment to embracing green hydrogen as a pivotal element in its shipping industry’s transformation.
The program, part of the broader National Green Hydrogen Mission, aims to retrofit existing vessels to operate on green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green ammonia and methanol. This initiative is not just about transitioning to cleaner fuel but also includes the development of bunkering and refueling facilities at key ports to support the new energy ecosystem. The scheme is designed to validate the technical feasibility, economic viability, and safety of green hydrogen in maritime propulsion, reflecting a significant stride towards decarbonizing one of the most fossil fuel-dependent sectors.
As per the Scheme Guidelines for Implementation of Pilot Projects for Use of Green Hydrogen in the Shipping Sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, unveiled on February 1, 2024, the government outlines an ambitious plan. This includes retrofitting at least two ships by the Shipping Corporation of India to run on green hydrogen or its derivatives by 2027 and establishing green ammonia bunkering and refueling facilities in at least one port by 2025.
The funding is allocated in two segments: Rs 800 million ($9.6 million) for ship retrofits and Rs 350 million ($4.2 million) for port refueling infrastructure, highlighting a strategic approach to cover both the supply and demand sides of the green hydrogen equation. Notably, the financial support does not extend to the production of green hydrogen, focusing instead on the application and infrastructure needed to facilitate its use in maritime operations.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
