(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM) by Abul Hasan:
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), formerly known as Kandla Port, is making bold strides in positioning itself as a pioneer in the emerging Green Hydrogen (GH2) sector. With an ambitious vision to align with national sustainability goals, the port is undertaking a series of transformative initiatives aimed at establishing itself as a leader in green mobility, green bunkering, and green hydrogen production. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and forging strategic partnerships, DPA is playing a crucial role in advancing India’s energy transition in the maritime sector.

Green Mobility: A Leap Toward Sustainable Transport
In a landmark collaboration with NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd., Deendayal Port Authority is set to introduce GH2-powered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) buses. This project marks a significant step towards sustainable transportation within the port’s ecosystem, with the first fleet of FCEV buses slated for rollout in August 2025. The initiative aligns with India’s green mobility objectives and will reduce the carbon footprint of port operations, offering a model for other ports to follow in their pursuit of cleaner, more efficient transport solutions.

Green Bunkering: Establishing New Standards
Deendayal Port is also taking substantial steps in pioneering the future of green shipping. The port has published its e-Methanol Bunkering Manual and Standard Operating Procedures (SoP), setting a new benchmark for sustainable fuel alternatives in the maritime industry. In addition, DPA has initiated discussions with the Port of Rotterdam to develop a joint mechanism for methanol bunkering, which will play a key role in the “Rotterdam-Singapore Green Shipping Corridor.” This forward-thinking approach seeks to enable the deployment of methanol-powered vessels in both the short and medium term. Furthermore, DPA has commissioned an expert-led “as-is” study to assess infrastructure and procedural gaps in handling methanol as a bunker fuel, laying the groundwork for future green fuel adoption.

Green Hydrogen: Pioneering Production and Innovation
As part of its commitment to the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), DPA is setting up a 1 MW Electrolyser-based GH2 plant in collaboration with L&T. Scheduled for commissioning by September 2025, this demo plant will serve as a vital training ground for DPA engineers and technicians, providing invaluable insights into the operations of a green hydrogen facility. Additionally, the port is working with industry partners to finalize giga-scale GH2 projects at Kandla, which will further contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production.

Centre of Excellence: Fostering Innovation in Green Maritime Fuels In a bid to solidify its position as a key player in the green energy transition, DPA is establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Green Maritime Fuels at Gandhidham. The CoE will serve as a platform for collaboration among stakeholders from academia, the maritime industry, technology developers, innovators, startups, and research organizations. The center will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices on low-carbon and zero-carbon maritime fuels, driving innovation and the adoption of sustainable technologies in the global shipping industry.

A Future-Focused Port with Unmatched Growth
Deendayal Port Authority’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its green initiatives. The port is experiencing remarkable growth, with cargo volumes continuing to rise at an impressive rate of over 10% from the 2023-24 baseline, the highest among all major ports in India. This robust growth underscores DPA’s increasing capacity to handle rising trade volumes while staying aligned with the national sustainability agenda.

Through these efforts, Deendayal Port is not only contributing to India’s ambitious green energy targets but is also setting new standards for sustainability in the maritime sector. With a clear focus on green hydrogen, green bunkering, and innovative transport solutions, the port is solidifying its role as a leader in the global transition to a cleaner, greener future.