Kochi, June 12 (FN Representative) Cochin Port Authority will emerge as a ‘Lighthouse Port’ setting a precedent for other ports to lead the Green Hydrogen transition. With its exceptional connectivity to domestic and international shipping routes, Cochin could serve as a potential testing ground for green hydrogen initiatives.The leadership at the Cochin Port Authority expressed their commitment to exploring various project proposals for developing green hydrogen pilots. Cochin Port Authority will invite proposal ideas from stakeholders in the upcoming months to finalize the scope of the pilot project. The Cochin Port Authority, the Indian Ports Association, and industry stakeholders will prioritize working together on these proposals. The authorities are focusing on inviting Expressions of Interest within the next one month and executing the pilot production within a year. Recently, the Cochin Port Authority (CoPA), in association with the Indian Ports Association (IPA), hosted a workshop on the “Pathway for a Successful Green Hydrogen Pilot at Cochin Port.” This workshop marked the beginning of the Green Hydrogen Pilot Planning, with over 50 industry partners from 25 institutions, including green hydrogen developers, consumers, electrolyser providers, and multilateral organizations attending the event.The workshop was inaugurated by B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairman of Cochin Port Authority, Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairman of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA),Tuticorin and Vikas Narwal, Deputy Chairman of CoPA and Managing Director of the Indian Ports Association.
The ‘Harit Sagar’ – Green Port Guidelines aim to achieve a Zero Carbon Emission goal by establishing ‘Green Ammonia’ bunkers and refuelling facilities at Major Ports by 2035. B. Kasiviswanathan, Chairman, Cochin Port Authority in his keynote address, said “Cochin Port already has existing capabilities and rich experience of handing liquid cargo, especially chemicals like ammonia. The port therefore will be in an advantageous situation to build bunkering facility for green hydrogen and its derivatives.” While discussing the insights from Tuticorin’s efforts towards green hydrogen projects, Sushant K. Purohit, Chairman, VOCPA highlighted the progress at VOCPA in the development green hydrogen projects. He said, “The port is planning to close the tender for a 60 KW electrolyser with an aim to commission in next quarter.” Affordable, accessible, and reliable renewable power is essential for the success of green hydrogen projects.The Government of Kerala’s Department of Energy will play a critical role in promoting green hydrogen pilots, leading to the development of green hydrogen hubs. In his keynote address and presentation, K.R. Jyothilal, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Energy and General Administration Department, Govt. of Kerala, presented the opportunity the state offers, highlighting that “Kerala is unique, as it offers not only intrinsic demand, but also a strategic location and action plan for developing the hydrogen valley.” In his closing remarks, Vikas Narwal, Deputy Chairman of Cochin Port and Managing Director of Indian Ports Association, highlighted that this project development will be promoted on priority for an expeditious implementation.
He said, “shipping vessels, exports, and domestic use in fertiliser units and refinery complexes could be the priority off-takers for this pilot. He further assured that Indian Ports Association and Cochin Port Authority will go the extra mile to support this project development and execution.” Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) supported the event as a knowledge partner for the workshop.Cochin Port is a Major Port on the Arabian Sea – Laccadive Sea – Indian Ocean sea-route in the city of Kochi in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala and is one of the 12 Major Ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.Cochin Port was established in 1928 and has completed over 90 years of active service. Cochin Port is one of the major maritime-related facilities based in the port-city of Kochi.Indian Ports Association was formed and registered in Delhi in 1966 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 primarily to foster the growth and development of all Major Ports. Over the years, IPA has consolidated its activities and grown strength by strength and is considered to be a think tank for the Major Ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, with the ultimate goal of integrating the maritime sector.