VOC Port to Begin Green Methanol Bunkering by Month-End
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) at Thoothukudi, also known as Tuticorin, in Tamil Nadu has announced that commercial operations at its green methanol bunkering facility will begin by the end of November 2026. Described as India’s first dedicated green methanol bunkering facility, it will also make VOC the first port on India’s east coast to supply methanol fuel to ships. Thoothukudi lies on the Gulf of Mannar, close to the busy East-West shipping route that runs south of India and Sri Lanka.
The facility has two storage tanks of 750 cubic metres each and a 2.8 km pipeline to the port’s oil jetty. Two transfer pumps, each rated at 120 cubic metres per hour, will move fuel to ships. Safety features include automated controls, remotely operated valves, an emergency shutdown system and dedicated fire protection. VOCPA has invited Expressions of Interest to select a bunkering operator.
Port Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit said the immediate focus is on completing safety, statutory and operational preparations. VOCPA estimates the port could serve about 80% of ships on the East-West route, which passes within about 130 nautical miles of Tuticorin.
From the CrewMirror Blog
The project, costing about Rs 38 crore, is part of the Kandla–Tuticorin Green Shipping Corridor and was formally unveiled on 11 October. VOC is also one of India’s three green hydrogen hubs, alongside Deendayal and Paradip, under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and the Harit Sagar green port guidelines.
For India, the facility is a practical step towards becoming a regional supplier of cleaner marine fuels. For Indian seafarers, more methanol-fuelled ships calling at Indian ports will increase demand for crews trained to handle alternative fuels safely.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Seafarers joining methanol dual-fuel ships should complete the required IGF Code training and understand methanol’s particular hazards, such as its toxicity and nearly invisible flame, before taking part in bunkering operations.
