V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) hosted the India Green Fuel Conclave ’26 in Thoothukudi, bringing together government officials, port authorities, industry leaders, technology providers and international organisations to discuss the development of India’s green fuel ecosystem and the future of sustainable maritime infrastructure.
The conclave was themed “VOCPA’s Anchor Role in India’s Green Methanol and Green Ammonia Export Ecosystem” and focused on translating India’s green hydrogen and maritime decarbonisation ambitions into practical pathways for production, infrastructure development, offtake, bunkering and international trade.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit inaugurated the conclave. Discussions examined the port’s emerging role as an anchor for green fuel exports, including the availability of land, power, water and carbon dioxide feedstock and its potential position under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
A key session focused on the India-EU Green Fuel Corridor and the transition from planning to execution. Representatives from GH2 India, Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), GIZ and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges participated in discussions on developing international green fuel corridors and creating infrastructure capable of supporting future trade in sustainable fuels.
The conclave also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between VOCPA and the Industrial Transition Accelerator. The agreement is aimed at strengthening international cooperation and increasing global visibility for India’s green fuel ambitions, particularly in areas connected with green methanol and green ammonia.
Technical discussions covered the infrastructure and technologies required to scale green hydrogen and related fuels at ports. Sessions examined areas such as desalination and water treatment, biomethanol loops, process and utility systems, and other technologies needed for port-based production and handling of green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol.
Officials from VOCPA and Paradip Port Authority also shared updates on infrastructure, project milestones and implementation at designated green hydrogen hub ports. The discussions highlighted the importance of moving beyond pilot projects towards operational facilities and commercially viable green fuel supply chains.
The conclave also featured participation from technology and industry specialists, including representatives from VOCPA, Paradip Port Authority, Alfa Laval and Thermax. Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, addressed the gathering through a special video message and stressed the importance of developing robust green fuel ecosystems, strengthening port infrastructure and advancing green hydrogen, green methanol and green ammonia for sustainable shipping and international trade.
A guided visit to key facilities at VOCPA formed part of the programme. Delegates visited the port’s Green Methanol Bunkering Site and Green Hydrogen Site, along with the VOCPA Heritage Museum. The visit provided participants with a first-hand view of the port’s existing green infrastructure, ongoing initiatives and potential opportunities for future green fuel terminals and bunkering operations.
The India Green Fuel Conclave ’26 comes as VOCPA expands its focus on green maritime infrastructure and seeks to strengthen its position in India’s emerging green fuel trade. The port’s efforts are aligned with the broader transition towards cleaner shipping fuels and the development of infrastructure capable of supporting domestic production, bunkering and international exports of green fuels.
