Tuticorin, 3 March 2026: In a significant move toward India’s net-zero ambitions, Tata Motors, the country’s largest commercial vehicle maker, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority , Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, to deploy 40 Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) powered prime movers at the port. The MoU was formalized in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Under the agreement, Tata Motors will initiate trials with a hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by the phased induction of 40 H2-ICE trucks over the next two years. The initiative is being funded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, highlighting the Government of India’s strong push toward green energy adoption and sustainable maritime logistics.
Mr. Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOCPA, stated, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support this phased induction, the port is advancing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyzer and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This initiative reinforces our commitment to building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”
Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Ltd., added, “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority represents a key milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to evaluate hydrogen applications in cargo handling. This pilot will help assess total cost of ownership parity and demonstrate the role of green hydrogen in enabling cleaner, more sustainable logistics solutions for India’s ports.”
The fleet for this project will feature the Tata Motors Prima 55-tonne prime mover, engineered for high-performance, cost-efficient, and sustainable transport operations. Equipped with the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety systems, the vehicles are designed to enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and boost operational productivity while maintaining high safety standards.
Tata Motors continues to lead India’s transition toward alternative fuel mobility, with a diverse portfolio spanning battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. In 2025, the company commenced hydrogen-powered truck trials across key freight corridors in India and successfully deployed 15 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEVs) on Indian roads.
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Limited operates across India and South Korea, with a strong international footprint spanning Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC markets. Following a Composite Scheme of Arrangement approved by the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench, the company was renamed Tata Motors Limited (effective 29 October 2025), with its equity shares listed on BSE Ltd. and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.
