India's ambitions to lead in sustainable maritime fuel took a major step forward as Thermax Limited and Ankur Scientific announced the establishment of the country's first green methanol production plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla.
With international shipping under increasing pressure to curb emissions, India's own maritime sector faces mounting demand for alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Domestic shipping is expected to require nearly 37,000 tonnes of methanol by 2030. The new facility, designed to produce up to 18,000 tonnes of green methanol annually, will account for almost half of this anticipated demand.
The plant at Deendayal Port will leverage an integrated, modular design spanning approximately one acre within the port's premises. Notably, the facility will utilise Ganda Baval (mesquite), a type of low-value and abundantly available biomass, as its main feedstock — processed through Ankur Scientific's gasification technology.
The green methanol produced will meet stringent international standards — adhering to ASTM requirements with over 99.9% purity — and compliance with European Union certification norms for green bio-methanol is being pursued. These measures are crucial for ensuring that Indian-produced green methanol can compete in global markets and support the decarbonisation ambitions of international shipping lines operating from Indian ports.
This initiative is particularly significant for the maritime industry — one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise due to its reliance on heavy, energy-dense fuels. The deployment of clean methanol as a marine fuel offers a dual benefit:
By positioning Deendayal Port as an early adopter of green fuel solutions, the project supports India's broader commitment to sustainability and advances the government's goal of fostering future-ready, environmentally responsible port operations.
"With the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways emphasising the adoption of green fuels, this project is a landmark step towards enabling sustainable solutions for Indian ports."
"The collaboration demonstrates the viability of biomass-based fuel technologies at commercial scale, offering a pathway for India's transition towards greener energy and greater energy self-reliance."
The launch of this green methanol facility positions India to play a more proactive role in the global movement towards sustainable shipping. As international regulations tighten around carbon emissions and shipping companies seek compliant fuel alternatives, India's ability to produce green methanol domestically opens new avenues for industry growth, exports, and technological innovation.
As the plant moves forward in its development, the collaboration between Thermax and Ankur Scientific is poised to set a benchmark for future green fuel projects across India. This initiative not only advances India's clean energy goals but also signals to the global shipping industry that the nation is ready to drive the next wave of sustainable maritime solutions.
India's pioneering green methanol facility.
A benchmark for the nation — and a signal to the world:
India is ready to lead the next wave of sustainable maritime solutions.
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