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V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has become the first Indian port to partner with H2Global to facilitate green hydrogen export corridors between India and Europe. The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a major step toward integrating India into the global green hydrogen supply chain and strengthening maritime trade links with European energy markets.
The collaboration between VOCPA and H2Global, represented by the H2Global Foundation and Hintco GmbH, aims to establish the infrastructure, logistics frameworks and commercial mechanisms required for large-scale exports of green hydrogen and its derivatives, including green ammonia and e-methanol. The partnership will also explore long-term offtake arrangements and the development of sustainable maritime fuel ecosystems that support global decarbonisation goals.
For the logistics and shipping sector, the agreement signals the emergence of a new clean-energy trade corridor connecting India’s southern coastline with Germany and broader European markets. As demand for renewable fuels accelerates across Europe, ports are increasingly being viewed as critical nodes in the hydrogen value chain, requiring specialised storage, handling and transportation infrastructure. The partnership is expected to catalyse investments in dedicated hydrogen and ammonia terminals, storage facilities and associated maritime logistics capabilities at the port.
The development aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets the creation of a robust domestic hydrogen ecosystem and positions the country as a major exporter of green fuels. VOCPA has already emerged as a key player in this transition. The port was recognised as a Green Hydrogen Hub under the mission and commissioned a port-based green hydrogen pilot project in 2025, making it one of India’s pioneering maritime facilities in renewable hydrogen production and application.
Industry observers believe the agreement could strengthen India’s competitiveness in the global green hydrogen market by leveraging Tamil Nadu’s abundant wind and solar resources, strategic maritime location and growing industrial base. For supply chain stakeholders, the initiative underscores the increasing convergence of clean energy, port infrastructure and international trade.
As global energy supply chains undergo rapid transformation, the VOCPA-H2Global partnership positions India not only as a producer of green hydrogen but also as a critical logistics hub in the emerging international clean fuel economy.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India is looking to strengthen coastal shipping and inland waterways as key components of its multimodal logistics network, with the Centre setting an ambitious target of doubling their combined share in freight transportation to 12% by 2047. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal outlined the roadmap during a Consultative Committee meeting in Puri, Odisha, on 3 November 2026. The proposed expansion is aimed at shifting a greater volume of cargo from road and rail networks to waterways, improving logistics efficiency, reducing transportation costs and supporting more sustainable freight movement. Alongside the freight target, the government has announced a series of infrastructure and policy initiatives, including a proposed ₹1,500-crore international cruise terminal in Puri. India's maritime strategy is also gaining momentum, with coastal cargo volumes witnessing substantial growth over the past decade. According to Sonowal, cargo handled through coastal shipping at Indian ports has increased from 74 million tonnes to 177 million tonnes in the last 12 years, registering growth of approximately 140%. The country’s coastline of more than 11,000 km offers considerable potential to expand maritime freight movement and improve connectivity between industrial centres, ports and consumption markets. Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to Drive Modal Shift A key component of the government's strategy is the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. The scheme will provide incentives to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators and multimodal transport operators to encourage greater utilisation of coastal shipping and inland waterways. By promoting the movement of goods through a combination of waterways, rail and road, the initiative seeks to strengthen multimodal connectivity and make freight transportation more efficient. The broader objective is to reduce dependence on conventional road-based transportation, ease pressure on highways and improve the environmental sustainability of India's logistics network. The government is also planning to operationalise 20 additional National Waterways over the next five years, further expanding the country's inland water transport infrastructure. National Waterway-5 to Strengthen Odisha's Industrial Connectivity Sonowal also highlighted the development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5) in Odisha, an infrastructure project estimated to cost more than ₹13,000 crore. The proposed waterway will connect important mineral-producing and industrial centres, including Talcher, Angul and Kalinganagar, with the eastern coast's major ports, particularly Paradip and Dhamra. Integrating the Brahmani and Mahanadi river systems, the waterway is expected to create additional cargo transportation options for the state's mining, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Improved river-sea connectivity could also help reduce the logistical burden on existing road and rail corridors. To support the expansion of inland water transportation, the government is working towards developing Regional Centres of Excellence along National Waterway-5 and establishing dedicated inland vessel repair facilities in Varanasi and Patna. ₹1,500-Crore Puri International Cruise Terminal Announced Alongside freight infrastructure, the government is looking to strengthen India's cruise tourism ecosystem. Sonowal announced that the proposed Puri International Cruise Terminal will be developed by Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in partnership with the Government of Odisha, with an estimated investment of ₹1,500 crore. The project is expected to support the expansion of cruise tourism in Odisha and strengthen the state's position on India's emerging maritime tourism map. The development aligns with the Cruise Bharat Mission, launched in September 2024, which aims to attract one million sea cruise passengers and generate 400,000 jobs by March 2029. India recorded 462,661 ocean cruise passengers and 212 vessel calls during FY2025–26. On the inland waterways front, 20 river cruise circuits across 16 National Waterways are already operational, while another 51 circuits have been identified for phased development. Additionally, 143 river cruise terminals and landing points are currently operational. Focus on Employment and Sustainable Maritime Growth The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and Cruise Bharat Mission are expected to collectively generate more than 560,000 employment opportunities and help avoid approximately 16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the government. The twin initiatives reflect India's broader ambition to develop a competitive and sustainable maritime ecosystem by strengthening cargo transportation, expanding port infrastructure and promoting cruise tourism. With the 2047 freight target, additional National Waterway development and investments in cruise infrastructure, the government is seeking to unlock the economic potential of India's coastline and river networks. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective infrastructure development, multimodal integration and sustained participation from cargo owners and logistics operators. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) has collaborated with Aiyer Shipping to strengthen its overseas shipping services and expand integrated logistics solutions for export-import (EXIM) trade. Announced on 30 October 2026, the collaboration aims to improve international shipping connectivity and provide exporters and importers with more coordinated, efficient and reliable multimodal logistics services. The partnership brings together CONCOR’s established inland container transportation and terminal infrastructure with Aiyer Shipping’s broader shipping and freight forwarding capabilities. By strengthening the link between domestic cargo movement and international shipping, the initiative seeks to improve access to overseas markets and support the evolving logistics requirements of Indian businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Strengthening Multimodal Logistics Connectivity CONCOR operates an extensive network of container terminals and rail-based freight services that connect inland production and consumption centres with gateway ports. Its FY2025–26 annual report records 68 terminals as of 31 March 2026, supported by a fleet of 424 rakes and an inventory of 57,746 containers. This infrastructure provides a foundation for moving containerised cargo between inland locations and ports. Aiyer Shipping’s published service portfolio includes container-line agency services, sea freight, freight forwarding, Customs clearance, warehousing and multimodal transportation. Its capabilities also cover full-container-load (FCL) and less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments, as well as breakbulk, bulk and project cargo. These services offer relevant expertise for coordinating different stages of international cargo movement, although the specific services covered under the new collaboration have not been individually disclosed. For exporters and importers, closer coordination between inland transportation and maritime shipping can help streamline shipment planning, equipment positioning and documentation. Aligning inland cargo arrivals with vessel schedules and port cut-off times is particularly important for maintaining predictable transit times and avoiding unnecessary delays across the supply chain. Expanding Overseas Trade Opportunities The collaboration reflects CONCOR’s broader approach of working with maritime partners to extend the reach of its inland logistics network. In June 2024, the company signed a separate memorandum of understanding with Shipping Corporation of India to explore opportunities in integrated logistics, overseas shipping and coastal and inland-waterway transportation. The Aiyer Shipping arrangement adds to this wider effort to strengthen links between inland cargo infrastructure and international maritime services. However, the commercial impact of the latest collaboration will depend on its implementation, including the services made available, the international connections offered and the level of coordination achieved across the shipment cycle. Specific routes, sailing schedules, tariffs and projected cargo volumes have not been disclosed in the announcement. For India’s EXIM sector, stronger cooperation between inland logistics operators and shipping service providers can help create more connected supply chains. As the collaboration develops, its ability to offer reliable cargo movement, competitive overall logistics costs and smoother access to overseas markets will be key measures of its value to customers. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The Government of India has extended the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme until March 31, 2027, to support exporters facing continued geopolitical disruptions in West Asia. The extension aims to provide greater insurance protection and cost certainty for eligible shipments as maritime logistics across the Gulf and neighbouring regions remain under pressure. The Department of Commerce announced the extension under Component II of RELIEF, an initiative operating within the government’s Export Promotion Mission (EPM). The revised timeline was notified through notification, in response to the continuing impact of regional instability on shipping operations and export trade. Enhanced Insurance Cover for Eligible Exporters Under Component II, the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) facilitates enhanced risk coverage of up to 95% for eligible losses arising from war-related and associated political risks, subject to policy conditions and verification. The scheme also protects eligible exporters against increases in insurance premiums beyond pre-disruption levels during the specified period. The benefit applies to qualifying standalone and whole-turnover insurance policies obtained on or after March 16, 2026. Eligible cargo categories include Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) and refrigerated container shipments, while energy shipments are excluded. Exporters must meet the prescribed policy and shipment requirements to access the benefits. Logistics Disruptions Continue to Challenge Trade The extension comes amid persistent challenges for exporters, including elevated freight rates, port congestion, uncertain transit schedules and higher operating costs. Disruptions to maritime routes have affected cargo movement through key West Asian trade corridors, complicating shipment planning and increasing financial pressure on businesses with limited margins. Exporters dealing in agricultural commodities and other price-sensitive products are particularly vulnerable, as additional freight and insurance expenses can erode profitability. Smaller exporters may also face difficulties managing delayed payments and maintaining reliable delivery schedules. By extending RELIEF, the government aims to strengthen exporters’ ability to manage eligible geopolitical risks and maintain trade continuity with designated markets. The measure is particularly relevant for businesses dependent on containerised maritime shipments to the Gulf and adjoining regions. However, the scheme does not guarantee lower freight charges or eliminate operational disruptions. Its effectiveness will depend on exporters securing eligible insurance cover and complying with documentation and claim requirements. The extension provides a longer window of risk protection as Indian exporters navigate an uncertain trade environment, while the stability of shipping routes and logistics costs will remain critical to export performance in the coming months. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
