In line with the global maritime sector’s focus on sustainability, major Indian ports are preparing to handle and store methanol as an alternative to heavy fuel oil. The VO Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has initiated the development of a bunkering (supplying fuel) and refueling facility for green methanol on a pilot basis.
The port authority has floated a tender seeking interest from private players to develop and operate the green methanol facility, which includes a five-year operation and maintenance contract. This project, with an estimated cost of ₹35.34 crore, has been approved by the Mission Director for green hydrogen.
The Union Shipping Ministry has identified Paradip, Deendayal, and VOC ports to be developed as hydrogen hubs, capable of handling, storing, and generating green hydrogen and its derivatives like ammonia and methanol for use as propulsion fuel for ships. Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla was one of the first major ports to kick-start the handling and storing of methanol as bunker and has issued a bio-methanol bunkering manual.