Chowgule and Company’s Shipbuilding Division has signed a contract with Green Maritime Infrastructure (GMI) to build two hydrogen-powered cargo vessels at its shipyard in Goa, marking a new step in India’s green shipbuilding capabilities. The agreement was signed during SMM Hamburg 2026.
Each vessel will have a capacity of 3,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) and will use hydrogen fuel-cell technology. The ships are planned to become part of GMI’s growing zero-emission fleet, supporting cleaner coastal cargo transportation.
The order strengthens Chowgule Shipyard’s position in the emerging market for alternative-fuel vessels, while giving the Indian yard an opportunity to build ships incorporating hydrogen-based propulsion for an international customer. The project is also aligned with the maritime industry’s wider push to reduce emissions from coastal and short-sea shipping.
GMI, a Norway-based shipping company, is developing a fleet of hydrogen-powered bulk carriers for coastal operations. The two Chowgule-built vessels will complement two 4,000-DWT sister vessels already under construction in Turkey, taking the planned fleet to four ships.
The vessels are intended for coastal transport of cargoes such as asphalt, crushed stone and other dry bulk materials. GMI has reportedly secured freight commitments for the vessels from NordAsfalt and Veidekke, supporting the planned deployment of the hydrogen-powered fleet.
The financial value of the Chowgule contract and the vessels’ delivery schedule have not been publicly disclosed. Further details on hydrogen storage, fuel-cell suppliers and technical specifications are also yet to be announced.
For Chowgule Shipyard, the agreement represents an important opportunity to expand its portfolio beyond conventional shipbuilding and participate in the global transition towards zero-emission maritime transport. The vessels will be built in Goa and are expected to demonstrate Indian shipbuilding capabilities in next-generation green shipping technology.