India's First Green Methanol Bunkering Pilot Project Launched at VOC Port.

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

The initiative supports the adoption of alternative fuels and is a crucial part of the planned Coastal Green Shipping Corridor between Kandla and Thoothukudi. The project aims to establish VOC Port as a key hub for green fuel bunkering in the region.

In addition to the bunkering facility, Minister Sonowal also laid the foundation for several other key projects at the port:

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  A 6 MW wind farm costing ₹59.20 crore, which will help VOC Port achieve its Net-Zero emission goals.

  
  


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  The construction of a Multi-Cargo Berth No. 10, with an investment of ₹90 crore. This new berth will have a capacity of 10 million tonnes and accommodate vessels with a deadweight tonnage of up to 125,000.

  
  


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  A 3.37 km, 4-lane concrete road from TTPS Roundana to Check Post No. 2, costing ₹34.77 crore.

  
  


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  The Tamil Nadu Maritime Heritage Museum, a ₹3 crore project to preserve and showcase the region's rich maritime history.