Shipping Corporation of India has invited bids for the construction of four methanol dual-fuel ready Aframax tankers at domestic shipyards in a deal valued at approximately $340 million, signaling a major push toward fleet modernization and greener shipping capabilities.
The tender covers the local construction of Aframax-class crude and product tankers designed to be methanol dual-fuel ready, allowing future operation on conventional marine fuels as well as cleaner alternative fuels such as methanol. The move aligns with the global shipping industry’s transition toward lower-emission vessels and compliance with tightening environmental regulations.
Building the tankers locally is expected to support India’s shipbuilding sector, generate skilled employment, and strengthen indigenous maritime manufacturing capabilities under the country’s self-reliance and industrial development initiatives.
Aframax tankers are widely used for medium-haul crude oil and petroleum product transport, making them a strategic asset for both domestic energy logistics and international trade routes. Adding modern, fuel-flexible vessels could improve Shipping Corporation’s competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Industry observers note that methanol-ready ships are gaining traction as owners seek future-proof investments amid uncertainty over the long-term dominant marine fuel of the future. Such vessels provide flexibility to adopt cleaner fuels as bunkering infrastructure expands.
The $340 million project also reflects increasing demand for sustainable tonnage and renewed investment in tanker fleets as energy trade patterns evolve.
If completed successfully, the order would mark an important milestone for India’s maritime sector, combining green fleet renewal with domestic shipbuilding growth.
