VOC Port Nears Commercial Launch for India's First Green Methanol Bunkering Hub

V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port) is preparing to commence commercial operations for India's first dedicated green methanol bunkering hub by the end of November 2026. According to an official statement, this development establishes VOC Port as the only port on India's east coast to offer this specific service.

The port authority is currently completing necessary port-readiness processes, statutory requirements, and trial bunkering ahead of the target launch. An expression of interest has been issued to identify a suitable bunkering operator. Commercial supply will begin once all operational arrangements and clearances are finalized.

The facility features a total storage capacity of 1,500 cubic meters distributed across two tanks of 750 cubic meters each. A 2.8-kilometer stainless-steel pipeline connects the storage installation to the bunkering point at the jetty, allowing methanol received via road tanker or vessel to be transferred to ships.

Project implementation falls under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy allocating ₹35.34 crore for its development within the shipping sector. The Prime Minister of India originally inaugurated the facility on October 11, 2026.

VOC Port management highlighted that the infrastructure provides an opportunity to enter an emerging international market as shipping companies expand their fleets of methanol-capable vessels. Positioned near the East–West international shipping route and the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore maritime corridor, port estimates indicate that nearly 80 percent of cargo vessels operating on this route pass within 130 nautical miles of Thoothukudi.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, stated that the capability to offer alternative marine fuels will increasingly influence the competitiveness of ports serving international shipping. He noted that the immediate priority centers on completing safety, statutory, and operational preparations, with longer-term potential to support green-fuel production, maritime activity, and industrial investment in the region.

"The development of dedicated alternative marine-fuel infrastructure at VOC Port highlights a strategic shift toward sustainable maritime logistics in India. By tapping into the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore corridor and leveraging support from the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the port is positioning itself to capture early market share as global shipping lines adopt methanol-capable vessels. For businesses and logistics players, aligning with these evolving environmental standards will be critical for long-term competitiveness." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes