V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port) is preparing to commence commercial operations at India’s first dedicated green methanol bunkering hub by the end of November 2026, marking a major milestone in the development of alternative marine-fuel infrastructure on the country’s east coast.
The facility, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 11 October 2026, is expected to position Thoothukudi as an emerging destination for green marine-fuel bunkering, as global shipping companies increasingly adopt methanol-capable vessels and explore cleaner fuel alternatives.
Strategically located near the East–West international shipping route, VOC Port enjoys a significant geographical advantage. According to the Port’s estimates, nearly 80% of cargo vessels operating along this route pass within 130 nautical miles of Thoothukudi. Its location along the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore maritime corridor offers considerable potential to attract international vessels seeking green methanol bunkering services. Upon commissioning, VOC Port will become the only port on India’s east coast to offer this facility.
The bunkering installation has a total storage capacity of 1,500 m³, comprising two tanks of 750 m³ each. A 2.8-km stainless-steel pipeline connects the storage facility to the jetty bunkering point, enabling methanol received through road tankers or vessels to be transferred to ships.
The system is equipped with two transfer pumps, each having a capacity of 120 m³ per hour, and is designed to facilitate transfers of approximately 1,20,000 litres per hour. Automated controls, remotely operated valves, emergency shutdown mechanisms and dedicated fire-protection systems have also been incorporated to ensure safe and efficient operations.
The project is being implemented under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy allocating ₹35.34 crore towards its development under the shipping sector. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has designated VOC Port as the System Implementing Agency.
Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, said that the availability of alternative marine fuels would increasingly influence the competitiveness of ports serving international shipping. He described the facility as an important step towards positioning Thoothukudi as a dependable bunkering destination, adding that the Port’s immediate focus is on completing safety, statutory and operational preparations. He also highlighted the longer-term potential of the initiative to promote green-fuel production, maritime activities and industrial investment in the region.
VOC Port is currently completing port-readiness procedures, statutory requirements and trial bunkering ahead of the targeted commercial launch. An Expression of Interest (EoI) has also been floated to identify a suitable bunkering operator. Commercial supplies will begin following the completion of the necessary operational arrangements and regulatory clearances.
The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s green shipping ecosystem, enhance VOC Port’s competitiveness in the international maritime sector and contribute to the country’s long-term commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.