India's First Green Methanol Facility Takes Root at VOC Port

In a significant step toward decarbonising maritime transport, the foundation stone for India’s first pilot green methanol bunkering and refuelling facility was recently laid at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Thoothukudi. The ₹35.34 crore facility, inaugurated by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, will have a storage capacity of 750 cubic meters.

The project supports the transition to alternative fuels and plays a vital role in the proposed Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Thoothukudi, aiming to position VOC Port as a green fuel bunkering hub in southern India.

Alongside the green methanol facility, the Minister also launched several key infrastructure projects at the port:

6 MW Wind Farm (₹59.20 crore): To power the port’s operations and support its Net-Zero emissions target.

Multi-Cargo Berth No. 10 (₹90 crore): A 10 MTPA capacity berth designed to handle vessels up to 125,000 DWT.

4-Lane Concrete Port Road (₹34.77 crore): A 3.37-km road from TTPS Roundana to Check Post No. 2, improving cargo movement.

Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum (₹3 crore): To showcase the state’s maritime legacy.

These projects mark a major milestone in VOC Port’s transformation into a sustainable and modern maritime hub.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.