Tuticorin Port launches H2 truck fleet

The deal will see hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2 ICE) trucks introduced in phases over the next two years at the Tuticorin port in Tamil Nadu. The project is funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Under the memorandum of understanding, trials will begin with a single hydrogen-powered prime mover before scaling up to a fleet of 40 vehicles for cargo handling operations within the port.

“Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions,” said Susanta Kumar Purohit, chair of VOCPA.

“The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India.”

To support the rollout, the port is advancing plans for a 2 MW electrolyser and a dedicated hydrogen refuelling station, aimed at building a green hydrogen ecosystem on-site.

Tata Motors said the collaboration will test the commercial and operational viability of hydrogen trucks in real-world port conditions.

“This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions,” said Rajesh Kaul, vice president and business head – Trucks, Tata Motors.

The deployment will use Tata’s 55-tonne Prima hydrogen-powered prime movers, designed for high-performance and lower-emission freight movement within the port.

Last year VOC Port outlined plans worth to boost ship traffic by 25%.

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