India could become a competitive regional hub for alternative marine fuels, according to a new study supported by the IMO
The study, initiated by India's Directorate General of Maritime Administration and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the IMO's GreenVoyage2050 Programme, examines future fuel demand, pricing and measures to strengthen India's competitiveness.
It finds that delivered fuel costs, operational efficiency, reliability and port charges will influence bunkering decisions.
Biofuels and methanol could support early uptake, followed by ammonia as infrastructure and supply chains mature.
The study recommends focusing initial efforts on Mundra, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Chennai and Tuticorin, where existing cargo volumes and shipping activity could support commercially viable bunkering.
It identifies methanol as the most suitable starting fuel and proposes a potential pilot at Mundra, supplied from Deendayal Port in Kandla.
The report outlines a phased approach, from establishing bunkering at selected ports in 2026-2030 to developing multi-fuel bunkering and green shipping corridors by 2047.
