Tata Motors to Deploy 40 Hydrogen Trucks at Tuticorin Port
Green hydrogen comes to Indian ports. Tata's 55-tonne Prima trucks will soon haul cargo at Tuticorin with zero emissions. Trial runs starting soon.
Tata Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The agreement involves deploying 40 green hydrogen internal combustion engine-powered heavy-duty trucks at the port. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal was present during the signing.
Phased Deployment Over Two Years
Under the MoU, Tata Motors will commence trials with a hydrogen-powered prime mover. This will be followed by phased deployment of H2 ICE-powered trucks over the next two years. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is funding the project, underscoring the government's commitment to green energy adoption.
55-Tonne Tata Prima Trucks for Port Operations
The fleet for the project includes Tata Motors' Prima 55-tonne prime movers. These trucks are engineered for sustainable, cost-efficient, and high-performance transportation. They feature the premium Prima cabin and advanced driver-assist safety features to enhance driver comfort, reduce fatigue, and improve productivity.
Port to Set Up Hydrogen Refuelling Station
Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of VOCPA, called the partnership a transformative step in the port's push to achieve net-zero emissions. "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 phased induction of these trucks, the port is progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyser and a dedicated hydrogen refuelling station.
Real-World Testing of Hydrogen Truck Economics
Rajesh Kaul, Vice President and Business Head – Trucks at Tata Motors, described the collaboration as an important milestone. "Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity with green hydrogen in supporting the transition of India's ports towards cleaner logistics solutions".
Tata Motors' Hydrogen Journey
Tata Motors has been accelerating alternative-fuel innovation across its commercial vehicle portfolio. The company began hydrogen truck trials across key freight corridors in 2025. It has also deployed 15 hydrogen fuel cell buses on Indian roads. The company develops vehicles powered by battery electric, CNG, LNG, hydrogen internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
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