Prime Highlights

• Kandla Port’s Level 6 IAPH rating places it among select global ports ready for alternative fuel operations.
• Sonowal said methanol bunkering will attract investment, technology collaboration and jobs, strengthening India’s global maritime standing.

Key Facts

• DNV Maritime Advisory Services is a global maritime consultancy providing risk management, safety and sustainability advisory services to the shipping industry.
• Kandla Port targets 500 KTPA of e-methanol availability by 2028–29 for dual-fuel vessels on the Asia–Europe trade corridor.

Background

The Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla Port) ran its first methanol bunkering test in the first week of April. The trial involved transferring methanol from shore to a ship. The test evaluated the operational performance of the transfer systems together with their safety measures and operational procedures. DNV Maritime Advisory Services visited the site and confirmed that everything met global standards.

The trial was a consortium of Stolt Tankers, J M Baxi, Vopak Aegis, and Indian Oil Corporation. DNV evaluated the port’s infrastructure together with its regulatory systems, which resulted in a Level 6 rating on the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Port Readiness Level scale that demonstrated the port’s operational capacity for methanol bunkering operations.

Its location on the western coast gives Kandla Port a natural advantage. The port already handles grey methanol as cargo and holds compatible infrastructure such as tank storage, pipelines and jetties. Authorities are now building dedicated bunkering facilities on this existing foundation.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the milestone reflects India’s resolve to lead the global shift toward green shipping, adding that cleaner fuels and future-ready infrastructure align the maritime sector with international sustainability targets and the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The port now targets availability of around 500 KTPA of RFNBO-compliant e-methanol by 2028–29 to serve dual-fuel vessels on the Asia–Europe trade corridor. Ship-to-ship methanol bunkering is planned as the next operational phase.