In a major push towards clean energy adoption and maritime decarbonisation, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APCL) for setting up a state-of-the-art green e-Methanol production plant at Kandla Port. The initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards a sustainable, future-ready and green maritime ecosystem.
The MoU was signed today at Dibrugarh, Assam, in the august presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, along with other distinguished dignitaries.
The agreement was formally signed by Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, while Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, IRS, Deputy Chairman, DPA, was also present on the occasion.
Deendayal Port, a Major Port under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, is strategically located on the western coast of Gujarat and has been identified as one of the nominated ports for development as a Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Aligned with this national vision, DPA, Kandla is developing a comprehensive ecosystem for the production, storage, handling and transportation of green hydrogen and its derivatives, while evolving into a Green Bunkering Hub capable of supplying zero-carbon fuels to ships calling at Indian ports.
Under the partnership, APCL will establish green methanol production facilities within the port jurisdiction, leveraging its technological expertise, while DPA will provide robust port-based infrastructure including pipelines, storage and fuel-handling systems. This integrated approach will create a complete green fuel value chain at Kandla Port.
The project will begin with a 50 TPD green methanol production facility, involving a capital investment exceeding ₹1,200 crore, and is expected to generate around 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly benefiting local youth and the regional economy.
Once commissioned, the facility will position Kandla Port as a major green fuel supply hub on global trade routes, including the Singapore–Rotterdam maritime corridor, attracting more deep-sea-going vessels, enhancing cargo traffic and boosting trade and allied economic activities.
This strategic collaboration represents a decisive step towards achieving India’s Net-Zero goals, reducing dependence on imported fuels, strengthening energy security, and advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat and “Make-in-India, Make-for-the-World” vision—firmly placing India on the global maritime map as a leader in green fuels and maritime decarbonisation.
