Tuticorin’s V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port is taking a significant step towards sustainable maritime operations with the development of a Green Methanol Bunkering Facility, positioning itself as a frontrunner in India’s green port transition.
According to officials, the upcoming facility will feature a 750 m³ dedicated green methanol storage system connected through a 2.4-km pipeline network, enabling the safe and efficient transfer of green fuel to vessels. The project is estimated to cost USD 4.01 million and is scheduled for completion by January 2026.
Once operational, the facility will allow VOC Port to supply clean, renewable methanol as an alternative marine fuel, meeting the rising global demand for low-carbon bunkering options. The initiative aligns with international decarbonisation targets and reinforces India’s broader maritime strategy under the Green Ports framework.
Port authorities highlighted that the new infrastructure will not only support visiting vessels seeking green fuel but will also help reduce the carbon footprint of port operations. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to environmentally responsible shipping, improve air quality, and strengthen the port’s competitiveness in the evolving global maritime landscape.
The Green Methanol Bunkering Facility marks a major milestone in VOC Port’s long-term sustainability roadmap, reaffirming its commitment to driving innovation, energy transition, and eco-friendly port development in the region.