India’s Kandla Port in Gujarat took a major step toward supporting alternative marine fuels by completing a shore to ship methanol bunkering trial on April 2, 2026.
The operation successfully tested the port’s capacity to supply methanol, checking whether current infrastructure and safety procedures are ready for regular commercial use.
The trial aligns with India’s broader initiative to decarbonize its maritime sector and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 through the use of low carbon fuels like eMethanol and eAmmonia.
Kandla Port, officially operated by the Deendayal Port Authority, already handles standard grey methanol as cargo and has existing pipelines, storage tanks, and jetties. The port is using this established infrastructure as a foundation for dedicated bunkering operations.
Kandla Port was awarded a Level 6 on the Port Readiness Level scale set by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) for methanol bunkering.
The April 2 trial was a collaborative effort involving several major industry players, including Stolt Tankers, J M Baxi, Aegis Vopak, and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
ALSO READ:Kandla Port Executes First Triple Banking STS Operation in India
During the live operation, the teams successfully tested fuel transfer protocols, safety systems, and regulatory compliance. Representatives from DNV were on site to verify that the entire process adhered to strict international practices for methanol bunkering.
Looking ahead, Kandla Port is securing a supply chain to provide approximately 500 kilo tonnes per year of RFNBO compliant eMethanol by the 2028 to 2029 timeframe. This fuel supply is targeted at dual fuel vessels operating on long haul routes, specifically the Asia to Europe trade corridor.