IMO: Study identifies methanol as starting point for India’s alternative fuel bunkering
Methanol is identified as the most suitable starting fuel, with a potential first pilot at Mundra supplied from Deendayal, Kandla.
A study has highlighted that India has the potential to become a competitive regional hub for alternative marine fuels, according to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on Tuesday (27 October).
The Study on Potential Demand and Pricing of Alternative Marine Fuels in India examined future demand for alternative marine fuels, fuel pricing and the practical steps needed to strengthen India’s competitiveness in the emerging alternative marine fuel market.
It proposed a three-phase pathway: establishing safe and competitive bunkering at selected ports in 2026-2030; scaling proven operations and preparing for ammonia bunkering in 2030-2035; and positioning India for multi-fuel bunkering and green shipping corridors in 2035-2047. Methanol is identified as the most suitable starting fuel, with a potential first pilot at Mundra supplied from Deendayal (Kandla).
One of the study’s key findings is that competitiveness, rather than geography alone, will determine where ships choose to bunker in the future. Factors such as delivered fuel costs, operational efficiency, reliability and port charges are likely to be decisive.
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