Tata Motors Signs MoU with V.O. Chidambaranar Port to Deploy 40 Hydrogen Trucks at Tuticorin

Key Highlights

• Tata Motors to deploy 40 hydrogen-powered H2 ICE prime movers.

• Trials to begin before phased rollout over two years.

• Project funded by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

• 2 MW electrolyser and hydrogen refuelling station planned.

• Tata Prima 55-tonne truck selected for port operations.

India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Tata Motors, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) to deploy 40 Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2 ICE) powered prime movers at Tuticorin port in Tamil Nadu.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, marking a major step towards green mobility in India’s port operations.

40 Hydrogen Trucks to Be Deployed in Phases

Under the MoU, Tata Motors will first begin trials with a hydrogen-powered prime mover at the port. After successful testing, the company will gradually deploy the full fleet of 40 H2 ICE trucks over the next two years.

The entire project will be funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The phased approach will allow performance evaluation in real-world port conditions before scaling up operations.

Tata Prima 55-Tonne Prime Mover Selected

For this green mobility project, Tata Motors has selected the Tata Prima 55 prime mover. The 55-tonne truck is engineered for high performance and cost-efficient cargo transport.

The vehicle comes with an advanced cabin designed to enhance driver comfort. It also includes driver-assist safety features that aim to reduce fatigue and improve overall operational efficiency, especially during heavy-duty cargo handling at the port.

Hydrogen Infrastructure at Tuticorin Port

To support the deployment of hydrogen-powered trucks, VOCPA is planning to set up a 2 MW electrolyser at the port. In addition, a dedicated hydrogen refuelling station will be established to ensure smooth operations of the H2 ICE fleet.

The port authority has stated that this initiative is part of its larger plan to decarbonise cargo handling activities and build a green hydrogen ecosystem within the port premises.

Tata Motors Growing Hydrogen and Alternative Fuel Portfolio

Tata Motors has been conducting hydrogen-powered truck trials across major freight corridors in India since 2025. The company is actively testing hydrogen technology to assess its viability for long-haul and heavy-duty operations.

Apart from hydrogen ICE trucks, Tata Motors also holds a tender for 15 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) buses, which are currently running on Indian roads.

The company’s alternative fuel portfolio covers a wide range of technologies, including battery electric vehicles, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion engine trucks, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles across multiple commercial vehicle segments.

Boost to Green Shipping and Sustainable Logistics

The deployment of 40 hydrogen trucks at Tuticorin port represents a significant move towards sustainable logistics in India. By combining hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks with dedicated green fuel infrastructure, Tata Motors and VOCPA aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner cargo transport operations.

This partnership highlights India’s growing focus on green hydrogen and clean mobility solutions in the commercial vehicle and port sectors.

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CMV360 Says

The partnership between Tata Motors and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority marks a major step toward green hydrogen adoption in India’s commercial vehicle and port sectors. With 40 H2 ICE trucks, hydrogen infrastructure, and government funding support, the initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions in cargo handling. It also strengthens India’s push for sustainable logistics and clean energy transition in heavy-duty transport operations.