India Launches First Green Coastal Shipping Corridor: VOC to Deendayal

India is making swift progress in establishing its first coastal green shipping corridor, linking V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu with Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat. This landmark initiative will deploy methanol-powered vessels operated by the state-owned Shipping Corporation of India, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing the country’s maritime sector.

Both ports are actively implementing infrastructure and policy measures to support the operationalization of the corridor and accelerate the transition to green shipping.

Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has taken a proactive role. In a key milestone reached in February, DPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bapu’s Shipping to provide bio-methanol bunkering services. Further emphasizing its commitment to alternative fuels, Deendayal Port has joined the Methanol Institute, enabling deeper collaboration with global stakeholders—including methanol producers, vessel operators, and regulators—to drive maritime decarbonization. Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port, highlighted that the membership will strengthen the port’s role in fostering partnerships that support cleaner shipping solutions.

At the southern end of the corridor, VOC Port is making parallel advances in green energy infrastructure. The port has allocated 501 acres for the development of green hydrogen production and storage facilities. This initiative has already attracted ₹41,860 crore in proposed investments from leading companies such as ACME Green Hydrogen & Chemicals, Green Infra Renewable Energy Farms Pvt. Ltd. (Sembcorp), Amplus Ganges Solar Pvt. Ltd., and Renew E-Fuels Pvt. Ltd. VOC Port aims to become a major hub for green hydrogen, bolstering its capacity to support future-ready, sustainable maritime operations.

The rapid progress on this green corridor underscores India’s commitment to sustainable maritime logistics and positions the country as a regional leader in the adoption of clean fuel alternatives for coastal shipping.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.