Kandla port emerges as future green fuel hub with ₹1.8 lakh crore investment commitments

In a major push towards maritime decarbonisation, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹1.8 lakh crore with leading industry and technology partners to transform Kandla Port into a global green fuel hub. The agreements were formalised during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.

Announcing the development, DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh said the partnerships aim to establish production facilities for green methanol, green hydrogen, and green ammonia, along with a state-of-the-art bunkering terminal capable of supplying low- and zero-carbon fuels to international shipping routes.

“We have signed MoUs with multiple technology partners and investors to create a complete ecosystem for green molecules at Kandla. These will be converted into low- or zero-carbon fuels to support the global maritime industry’s transition to cleaner energy,” Singh said.

He added that the proposed bunkering facility at Kandla will cater to vessels operating along the busy Rotterdam–Singapore trade corridor — one of the world’s most active maritime routes. “By 2030, around 200 vessels on this corridor are expected to run on green fuels. Kandla’s strategic location gives us a unique opportunity to position India as a leading supplier of green marine fuels to the world,” Singh noted.

In addition to the green fuel initiative, DPA has also inked MoUs with technology firms and shipbuilders to advance shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities at Kandla. “We are working on creating infrastructure that can support the construction and maintenance of large commercial vessels, further strengthening India’s shipbuilding ecosystem,” he said.

Singh highlighted that the collaboration marks a milestone for India’s maritime future: “Through these partnerships, we have identified capable industry leaders and agreed on focus areas that will shape Kandla’s evolution into a hub for sustainable shipping and industrial innovation.”

He also underlined that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to position India as a global maritime leader. The Prime Minister had earlier addressed the Maritime Leaders’ Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week 2025, emphasising the need for green growth, innovation, and self-reliance across the sector.

“These MoUs reflect that vision in action — Kandla Port will play a key role in driving India’s transition towards clean energy and sustainable maritime logistics,” Singh concluded.