V.O. Chidambaranar Port Opens Green Methanol Bunkering Facility | Mariner News
India’s V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, has inaugurated a 750 m3 green methanol storage and bunkering facility, signaling a tangible commitment to establishing infrastructure for alternative marine fuels.
The facility was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11 as part of a wider portfolio of eight infrastructure projects at the port, valued at approximately $78 million. These comprehensive developments also include container terminal upgrades, green hydrogen infrastructure, solar power generation, and improved road connectivity.
This strategic investment positions V.O. Chidambaranar Port as an early mover in India’s energy transition, potentially influencing future port calls and vessel employment for methanol-powered tonnage in the region. The integration of the green methanol facility with other sustainable initiatives, such as green hydrogen infrastructure, underscores a concerted effort by the port and the Indian government to support low-carbon shipping pathways.
Executed by EPC contractor SOPAN, the bunkering project’s inauguration follows a recent methanol bunkering training session and precedes a planned pilot project. This structured approach suggests a focus on operational readiness and the safe, efficient integration of green methanol into port bunkering services.
As the shipping industry explores various alternative marine fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the establishment of dedicated green methanol bunkering infrastructure at a significant Indian port provides practical support for shipowners, potentially de-risking investments in future-proof vessels and accelerating the adoption of cleaner propulsion technologies.
