VOC Port Prepares to Launch India’s First Dedicated Green Methanol Bunkering Hub

V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi is preparing to commence commercial operations at India’s first dedicated green methanol bunkering facility by the end of November 2026. The facility, which has a storage capacity of 1,500 m³, is designed to supply alternative marine fuel to international vessels operating along major shipping corridors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the facility on 11 October 2026 as part of the country’s efforts to expand infrastructure for alternative marine fuels. The project is expected to position VOC Port as a potential bunkering destination for international shipping companies adding methanol-capable vessels to their fleets.

VOC Port estimates that nearly 80% of cargo vessels operating along the East–West international shipping route pass within 130 nautical miles of Thoothukudi. Located along the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore maritime corridor, the Port aims to serve vessels requiring green methanol supplies, including those that do not make regular cargo calls at the facility. It is expected to be the only port on India’s east coast offering dedicated green methanol bunkering services.

The bunkering infrastructure consists of two storage tanks, each with a capacity of 750 m³, providing a combined storage volume of 1,500 m³. A 2.8-km stainless-steel pipeline connects the storage facility to the jetty’s bunkering point. The system is designed to receive methanol through road tankers or vessels before transferring the fuel to ships.

Two transfer pumps, each with a rated capacity of 120 m³ per hour, form part of the bunkering system. The overall installation is designed to handle approximately 1,20,000 litres of fuel per hour. Safety and operational features include automated controls, remotely operated valves, emergency shutdown systems and dedicated fire-protection arrangements.

The project is being developed under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy allocating ₹35.34 crore towards the shipping-sector initiative. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has appointed VOC Port as the System Implementing Agency responsible for its implementation.

Shri 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.”

The Port Authority is currently undertaking port-readiness procedures, completing statutory requirements and conducting trial bunkering operations before the proposed commercial launch. It has also issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to select a bunkering operator. Commercial fuel supplies will begin after the required operational arrangements and regulatory clearances have been completed.

The project is part of India’s broader strategy to develop alternative marine-fuel infrastructure and support the decarbonisation of the shipping sector. It also contributes to the country’s longer-term objective of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

FAQs

1. Where is India’s first dedicated green methanol bunkering facility located?

The facility is being developed at V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

2. When is the VOC Port green methanol bunkering hub expected to begin operations?

Commercial operations are targeted for the end of November 2026, subject to the completion of statutory requirements and operational preparations.

3. What is the storage capacity of the VOC Port green methanol facility?

The facility has a total storage capacity of 1,500 m³ across two tanks, each with a capacity of 750 m³.

4. How much investment has been allocated to the project?

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has allocated ₹35.34 crore under the National Green Hydrogen Mission for the shipping-sector project.

5. Which international shipping route will the facility serve?

The facility is strategically positioned near the East–West international shipping route and the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore maritime corridor.

6. What is the fuel transfer capacity of the bunkering facility?

The installation includes two transfer pumps rated at 120 m³ per hour each and is designed for an overall transfer capacity of approximately 1,20,000 litres per hour.

7. Who is responsible for implementing the green methanol bunkering project?

VOC Port has been designated the System Implementing Agency by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.