In a significant stride towards clean energy adoption and maritime decarbonisation, Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APCL) for setting up a state-of-the-art e-Methanol Plant at Kandla Port. This landmark collaboration marks a major milestone in India’s journey towards a sustainable, future-ready and green maritime ecosystem.
The MoU was signed today at Dibrugarh, Assam, in the august presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, along with other distinguished dignitaries.
The agreement was formally signed by Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, while Nilabhra Dasgupta, IRS, Dy. Chairman, DPA, was also present on the occasion.
Deendayal Port, a Major Port under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, is strategically located on the western coast of Gujarat and has been identified as one of the nominated ports to be developed as a Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Mission aims to position India as a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
In alignment with this national vision, DPA, Kandla is developing a comprehensive ecosystem for the production, storage, handling and transportation of green hydrogen and its derivatives, while also evolving into a Green Bunkering Hub capable of supplying zero-carbon, environment-friendly fuels to ships calling at Indian ports. The partnership with APCL marks a decisive step in this direction.
While DPA, Kandla has already developed robust pipelines, storage systems and fuel-handling infrastructure at the port, APCL will bring its technological expertise to establish green methanol production within the port jurisdiction, thereby creating a complete and integrated green fuel value chain at Kandla Port. Once commissioned, the facility will enable Kandla to emerge as a major green fuel supply point on international trade routes, including vessels plying on the Singapore–Rotterdam corridor.
This strategic collaboration will commence with the establishment of a 50 TPD green methanol production facility, involving a capital investment exceeding Rs. 1,200 crores. The project is expected to generate around 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly benefiting local youth and the regional economy.
Upon commissioning, the project will attract more deep-sea-going vessels to Kandla Port, enhance cargo traffic and significantly boost trade and allied business activities across the hinterland, the state and the nation.
The partnership between DPA, Kandla and APCL represents a bold and transformative step towards India’s Net-Zero goals, reducing dependence on imported fuels, strengthening energy security, and advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat and “Make-in-India, Make-for-the-World” vision. It firmly positions India on the global maritime map as a leader in green fuels and maritime decarbonisation.
