NEW DELHI: Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla Port) has taken a major step towards green shipping by successfully implementing methanol refueling – refueling ships with methanol, a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuels. The trial positions Indian ports to play a leading role in emerging low-carbon trade corridors and move the country’s maritime sector towards net zero emissions.
The shore-to-ship trial validated the port’s infrastructure and operational protocols and represents an early milestone in India’s efforts to adopt cleaner marine fuels. Kandla is now working to ensure the availability of about 500 KTPA of renewable non-biological fuel compatible e-methanol (RFNBO) by 2028-29, aimed at supplying dual-fuel vessels operating along the Asia-Europe trade corridor.
“By adopting cleaner fuels such as methanol and building future-ready infrastructure, we will align our maritime sector with international sustainability goals while increasing efficiency and competitiveness,” said Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday.
The initiative is in line with the maritime sector’s broader goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, focusing on low-carbon alternative fuels such as e-methanol and e-ammonia to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of shipping.
Located on India’s west coast, Kandla has long handled gray methanol as cargo and already has compatible infrastructure including tank storage, pipelines and jetties. Building on this base, the port is now developing specialized methanol fueling capacity.
To assess its readiness, the port has commissioned maritime consultancy DNV to assess existing infrastructure and regulatory and security frameworks, according to a statement from the Ministry of Maritime Transport. After the assessment, Kandla was rated 6 on the International Association of Ports and Harbors (PRL) readiness level scale for methanol bunkering.
The April 2 test was conducted in collaboration with industry partners including Stolt Tankers, JM Baxi, Aegis Vopak, Indian Oil Corp. Ltd and Deendayal Port Authority. The exercise validated bunker transport processes, safety systems and regulatory compliance, with DNV conducting on-site verification and confirming compliance with global standards for methanol tanking.
Sonowal said the initiative will strengthen India’s role in emerging green trade routes and support the maritime sector’s transition to net zero emissions.
After the shore-to-ship trial, Kandla plans to conduct ship-to-ship methanol refueling in the next phase to further expand its operational capabilities.
The progress of the port is expected to support the development of green shipping corridors and strengthen India’s position in the emerging low-carbon maritime ecosystem, the ministry said.
