India’s First Dedicated Green Methanol Bunkering Hub Nears Commercial Launch at VOC Port

Thoothukudi:

Port Wings News Network:

India’s first dedicated green methanol bunkering hub is preparing to commence commercial operations at V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port) by the end of November 2026, marking a significant step in the development of alternative marine-fuel infrastructure on the country’s east coast. The facility was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11 October 2026.

The development gives VOC Port an opportunity to enter an emerging international market as shipping companies expand their fleets of methanol-capable vessels. Access to dependable fuel supplies will become increasingly important in route planning and bunkering decisions.

A dedicated facility at Thoothukudi could help India capture a share of this developing maritime-fuel business while strengthening the Port’s commercial appeal to international shipping lines.

VOC Port’s position near the East–West international shipping route provides a geographic advantage. According to the Port’s estimates, nearly 80% of cargo vessels operating on this route pass within 130 nautical miles of Thoothukudi. Its location on the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore maritime corridor offers scope to serve vessels seeking green methanol bunkering, including ships beyond those making regular cargo calls at the Port. VOC Port is set to become the only port on India’s east coast to offer this service.

The facility has 1,500 m³ of storage capacity across two tanks of 750 m³ each. A 2.8-km stainless-steel pipeline connects the storage installation to the bunkering point at the jetty, enabling methanol received by road tanker or vessel to be transferred to ships.

The bunkering system includes two transfer pumps, each with a capacity of 120 m³ per hour, and is designed for the transfer of approximately 1,20,000 litres per hour. Automated controls, remotely operated valves, emergency shutdown arrangements and dedicated fire-protection systems form part of the installation.

The project is being implemented under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy allocating ₹35.34 crore for its development under the shipping sector. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has nominated VOC Port as the System Implementing Agency.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, said, “The ability to offer alternative marine fuels will increasingly influence the competitiveness of ports serving international shipping. This facility is an important step towards positioning Thoothukudi as a dependable bunkering destination. Our immediate priority is to complete the necessary safety, statutory and operational preparations. We see longer-term potential for these services to support green-fuel production, maritime activity and industrial investment in the region.”

VOC Port is completing port-readiness processes, statutory requirements and trial bunkering ahead of its targeted commercial launch by the end of November 2026. An Expression of Interest has been floated to identify a suitable bunkering operator. Commercial supply will commence following completion of the necessary operational arrangements and clearances.

The project also advances India’s efforts to develop green shipping infrastructure and supports the national objective of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.