A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Cochin Port Authority (CoPA) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for developing LNG bunkering facilities to serve LNG-powered and dual-fuel vessels. The project, with an estimated investment of ₹500 crores, will facilitate LNG bunkering operations at the outer anchorage, inner port limits, and Petronet LNG Ltd Jetty at Cochin Port.
The MoU was exchanged during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, in the presence of Shri B. Kasiviswanathan, IRSME, Chairperson, CoPA, and Shri Manoj Menon, Business Head (I&C), BPCL.
The agreement was formally signed by Capt. Himanshu Shekhar, Traffic Manager, CoPA, and Mr. Sanjay Kargaonkar, Chief General Manager (Sales–I&C), BPCL.
Also present on the occasion were Shri Satish Honnakkatte, Deputy Chairperson, CoPA; Shri B. Bhagyanath, Financial Adviser & Chief Accounts Officer, CoPA; Shri D. Anil Kumar, Senior Deputy Traffic Manager, CoPA; Shri Mukul Agarwal, General Manager (Finance), BPCL; Shri Suresh Sahajwani, Deputy General Manager (Business Development), BPCL; Shri Priyadarshee Panda, State Head (I&C), Kerala, BPCL; and Smt. Sandhya Vidyasagar, Senior Manager (Marketing Coordination – I&C), BPCL.
The partnership marks a major step toward promoting green shipping initiatives and enhancing India’s LNG bunkering infrastructure, aligning with the nation’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations.