V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOC Port), Thoothukudi, is preparing to enter the alternative marine-fuel market with the planned commencement of commercial operations at India’s first dedicated green methanol bunkering facility by the end of November 2026. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11 October 2026, the project marks a significant development in India’s efforts to establish green-fuel infrastructure for international shipping.
The facility is expected to strengthen VOC Port’s position in the emerging market for alternative marine fuels, particularly as shipping companies increasingly explore methanol-powered vessels and seek reliable bunkering locations along major international routes. With its strategic location near the East–West international shipping corridor, the Port aims to attract vessels looking for green methanol supplies, including those that do not make regular cargo calls at Thoothukudi.
According to Port estimates, nearly 80 per cent of cargo vessels operating along this international route pass within 130 nautical miles of Thoothukudi. Its position along the Rotterdam–Tuticorin–Singapore maritime corridor further enhances its potential as a bunkering destination. Once operational, VOC Port will become the only port on India’s east coast to offer dedicated green methanol bunkering services.
Infrastructure and Operational Capabilities
The bunkering facility has a total storage capacity of 1,500 m³, distributed across two tanks of 750 m³ each. A 2.8-km stainless-steel pipeline connects the storage installation to the bunkering point at the jetty, allowing methanol received through road tankers or vessels to be transferred to ships.
The system is equipped with two transfer pumps, each having a capacity of 120 m³ per hour, and is designed to facilitate fuel transfer at approximately 1,20,000 litres per hour. Automated controls, remotely operated valves, emergency shutdown arrangements and dedicated fire-protection systems have also been incorporated to support safe and efficient operations.
The project is being developed under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy allocating ₹35.34 crore towards its implementation under the shipping sector. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has designated VOC Port as the System Implementing Agency for the project.
Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, said, “The ability to offer alternative marine fuels will increasingly influence the competitiveness of ports serving international shipping. This facility is an important step towards positioning Thoothukudi as a dependable bunkering destination. Our immediate priority is to complete the necessary safety, statutory and operational preparations. We see longer-term potential for these services to support green-fuel production, maritime activity and industrial investment in the region.”
Preparing for Commercial Operations
VOC Port is currently undertaking port-readiness activities, completing statutory requirements and conducting trial bunkering operations ahead of the targeted commercial launch. An Expression of Interest (EoI) has also been floated to identify a suitable bunkering operator. Commercial fuel supply will begin once the necessary operational arrangements and regulatory clearances are in place.
Beyond strengthening the Port’s service capabilities, the project is expected to create opportunities for green-fuel production, maritime trade and industrial development in the region. It also represents a step forward in India’s broader strategy to establish sustainable shipping infrastructure and advance its national objective of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.