India completes first methanol bunkering trial at Kandla Port

India has carried out its first methanol bunkering trial at Kandla Port, marking an initial move toward integrating alternative marine fuels into its port operations.

The trial covered the handling, storage, and transfer of methanol as a marine fuel, with authorities indicating that established safety and environmental procedures were followed throughout the operation. The exercise is intended to assess operational readiness for supporting vessels using low-emission fuels.

Methanol is being evaluated by the shipping industry as an alternative to conventional fuels due to its lower carbon intensity and cleaner combustion profile. The Kandla trial is expected to inform the development of methanol bunkering capabilities at additional ports across India.

Industry participants consider the availability of alternative fuel infrastructure a prerequisite for scaling adoption of dual-fuel and methanol-capable vessels. Expanding such infrastructure could support emerging green shipping corridors and evolving regulatory requirements.

Officials indicated that further trials and related infrastructure development are under consideration as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions from maritime transport and align with international environmental targets.