India’s First Green Methanol Bunkering Hub at VOC Port Targets November Commercial Launch

India’s first dedicated green methanol bunkering facility is expected to begin commercial operations at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi by the end of November 2026. With a storage capacity of 1,500 m³, the facility is being developed to supply alternative marine fuel to international vessels operating along the East–West shipping route.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11 October 2026, the project marks a new development in India’s efforts to establish infrastructure for alternative marine fuels. Its location near the international shipping corridor could allow VOC Port to attract vessels seeking green methanol supplies, including ships that do not make regular cargo calls at Thoothukudi.

According to VOC Port estimates, nearly 80% of cargo vessels operating along the East–West international shipping route pass within 130 nautical miles of Thoothukudi. The Port’s position on the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore maritime corridor provides an opportunity to serve international shipping operators transitioning towards methanol-capable vessels. VOC Port is also set to become the only port on India’s east coast to offer dedicated green methanol bunkering services.

The facility comprises two storage tanks of 750 m³ each, providing a combined capacity of 1,500 m³. A 2.8-km stainless-steel pipeline connects the storage installation to the bunkering point at the jetty. The infrastructure is designed to receive methanol through road tankers or vessels and transfer it to ships.

This story was originally published by Maritime Gateway. Read the full story at Maritime Gateway →