Kandla Port Unlocks Green Shipping Future: Methanol Bunkering Breakthrough Powers India's Net-Zero Ambition

India’s Green Maritime Leap: Kandla Pioneers Low-Carbon Fuel Infrastructure​

Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla Port) has executed a significant milestone by advancing its methanol bunkering capabilities. This move firmly positions the port as a crucial facilitator in India's decarbonization drive for the maritime sector. The initiative directly addresses the industry's overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The focus of this development is the adoption of low-carbon alternatives, including e-methanol and e-ammonia. Such fuels are vital for substantially reducing the greenhouse gas intensity inherent in global shipping operations.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized that this progress underscores India's commitment to sustainable maritime expansion. He noted the alignment with international sustainability goals while boosting efficiency.

Strengthening Global Trade Corridors with Green Fuel Hubs​

Sarbananda Sonowal stated that this milestone at Kandla Port demonstrates India’s resolve to spearhead the global transition toward green shipping. He highlighted that embracing cleaner fuels like methanol builds future-ready infrastructure.

The Minister stated, "This is an important step towards our journey to become one of the top maritime nation in the world as we move towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047."

Located strategically on India's western coast, Kandla Port already managed grey methanol as cargo and possesses established supporting infrastructure. This foundation includes necessary components like tank storage, jetties, and pipelines.

Operational Validation: Successful Methanol Bunkering Trials​

To gauge operational readiness, Kandla Port enlisted DNV Maritime Advisory Services for a comprehensive evaluation. This assessment covered the existing infrastructure along with the requisite regulatory and safety frameworks. The port subsequently received a rating of Level 6 on the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Port Readiness Level (PRL) scale for methanol bunkering.

Demonstrating its operational capacity, Kandla Port successfully conducted a trial shore-to-ship methanol bunkering operation on April 2, 2026. This trial was critical for validating both the infrastructure and the established operational protocols.

The exercise was a collaborative effort involving industry leaders such as Stolt Tankers, J M Baxi, Aegis Vopak, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., and Deendayal Port Authority. The successful trial verified key processes, including bunker transfer, safety systems, and adherence to regulatory compliance.

Future Outlook: Scaling Green Fuel Supply and Capabilities​

The Union Minister further pointed out that this development will significantly bolster India's standing in emerging global trade corridors. He noted that green bunkering initiatives unlock new avenues for investment, technology exchange, and job creation.

Sarbananda Sonowal added that these initiatives "reinforce India's meaningful contribution to the emerging global maritime sector."

Looking ahead, the port aims to secure the availability of approximately 500 KTPA of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO)-compliant e-methanol by the 2028-29 period. This anticipated supply is targeted to service deep-sea, dual-fuel vessels operating along the critical Asia-Europe trade corridor.

Following the successful shore-to-ship trial, Kandla Port has charted its next course toward implementing ship-to-ship methanol bunkering. This planned progression is set to further solidify its operational prowess.