<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Deendayal

Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla is spearheading a transformative shift in the

maritime landscape by launching a sophisticated bio-methanol project aimed at

satisfying the surging international demand for sustainable bunkering

solutions. This initiative leverages advanced gasification technology to

convert <i>Prosopis juliflora</i>, an invasive shrub that has historically

compromised the ecological integrity of Kutch’s Banni Grasslands, into a

high-value, low-carbon marine fuel. By repurposing an environmental threat into

a strategic energy resource, the project aligns with the "Harit

Sagar" guidelines and the "Maritime India Vision 2030,"

reinforcing India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions in port

operations while supporting global shipping lines in their transition to

methanol-capable vessels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">The

demonstration plant, a collaborative effort involving Thermax and technology

from Ankur Scientific, is engineered to produce an initial five tonnes of

bio-methanol daily. This facility serves as a vital proof-of-concept for larger

industrial ambitions, including a proposed ₹3,500 crore electro-methanol plant

designed to scale production to 200,000 tonnes annually. These developments are

crucial as the maritime industry faces tightening emission regulations, forcing

shipowners to pivot toward dual-fuel fleets that require reliable green fuel

infrastructure at major transit points.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">Operational

milestones have already solidified Kandla’s reputation as a pioneer, following

the successful execution of India’s first shore-to-ship methanol bunkering

trial in April 2026. Conducted in partnership with industry leaders such as

Stolt Tankers, Vopak, and Indian Oil, the trial earned the port a Level 6

rating on the International Port Readiness scale, confirming its sophisticated

capability to handle commercial-scale green fuel transfers. This technical

readiness ensures that the port is well-prepared to meet the rising demand from

international shipping routes that intersect with India’s coastline.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">India’s

strategic geographic position on primary global trade corridors, particularly

the busy Asia-Europe route, provides a unique advantage in its quest to become

a premier green bunkering hub in Asia.The port authority is targeting a massive

scale-up to provide approximately 500,000 tonnes of green e-methanol per year

by 2028–29. This project is a cornerstone of a broader national strategy to

diversify into alternative fuels—including green ammonia and hydrogen—thereby

reducing carbon footprints and enhancing long-term energy security by

minimizing reliance on traditional fossil fuel imports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">

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