Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla hosted Kandla Forum 2026, themed “Anchoring Maritime Decarbonisation,” bringing together global and Indian stakeholders from the hydrogen, clean energy, shipping, shipbuilding, engineering, technology and financial sectors to discuss investments, technology partnerships and green-fuel projects.
The forum focused on moving discussions around maritime decarbonisation towards project development, with particular attention to green hydrogen and its derivatives, alternative marine fuels, bunkering infrastructure and related industrial opportunities at Kandla.
More than 200 senior executives representing 62 Hydrogen Council member companies participated in the forum. The delegation included electrolyser and equipment manufacturers, energy and industrial gas companies, engineering and EPC firms, mobility manufacturers, shipping and maritime organisations, classification entities and project finance institutions.
They were joined by Indian manufacturers, developers, offtakers, shipping and shipbuilding companies, financial institutions and other stakeholders, bringing together around 200 senior leaders.
DPA outlines Kandla’s green energy infrastructure
Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, led discussions with the international delegation on Kandla’s green hydrogen and derivative infrastructure and its role in the maritime energy transition.
The discussions covered the Port’s existing and planned infrastructure, including power, water and land availability, green hydrogen and derivative production facilities, methanol bunkering and opportunities for investment, joint ventures and technology deployment.
The forum also focused on connecting companies involved across the green-energy value chain with DPA leadership to identify areas for direct engagement and potential project development.
Kandla expands green hydrogen and alternative fuel capabilities
DPA currently operates a 1 MW green hydrogen plant and has additional green hydrogen facilities under development. The Port has also completed India’s first methanol bunkering trial.
According to DPA, land, power and water resources are being positioned to support green hydrogen and derivative production. Kandla is also an anchor port in studies related to the India–Europe green shipping corridor.
These developments place green hydrogen, methanol and other alternative fuels among the key areas being considered as Kandla expands its role in maritime decarbonisation.
Sector-specific discussions focus on project opportunities
The forum adopted an interaction-led format, with participating companies engaging directly with DPA leadership through sector-specific discussions.
The sessions covered electrolysers, gasifiers and related equipment; green ammonia, methanol and e-fuels; power, water and land; engineering and EPC services; maritime bunkering; shipbuilding; green-fuel-based engines; ship repair; and financing and risk.
The format allowed companies to present their technologies and business propositions while gaining information on potential opportunities at Kandla for investment, joint ventures, technology deployment and industrial development.
Delegates visit Kandla port facilities
As part of the programme, delegates visited Deendayal Port to assess the Port’s infrastructure and ongoing development activities.
The visit included the upcoming e-methanol facility at Kandla, the first megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen plant at the Oil Jetty and the Cargo Jetty area. Delegates also participated in sessions with DPA leadership covering green shipbuilding, ship repair and methanol bunkering.
A technology exhibition was also held at the Administrative Office Building in Gandhidham. The exhibition showcased technologies and solutions from participating companies and provided an additional platform for interaction between technology providers, industry representatives and the Port ecosystem.
Forum targets conversion of industry discussions into projects
A key focus of Kandla Forum 2026 was to maintain engagement beyond the event and pursue expressions of interest from participating companies.
DPA intends to continue discussions with companies exploring investment, joint ventures and technology deployment at Kandla. The objective is to identify commercially viable opportunities and translate industry interactions into concrete partnerships and projects.
The forum comes as Kandla develops infrastructure around green hydrogen, alternative marine fuels, bunkering, shipbuilding and related industrial activities, supporting the broader development of India’s maritime energy-transition ecosystem.
