In April, Stolt Tankers supported a landmark methanol bunkering commissioning and certification operation at Deendayal (Kandla) Port in Gujarat, India. This marks an important step in India's ambition to become a global hub for green marine fuel.
At Stolt Tankers, we believe decarbonisation within shipping is crucial, and we continue to pursue initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in our own operations. We were therefore delighted to put forward one of our ships, the Stolt Focus, to support progress in developing alternative fuel sources for the industry.
The trial, which was the first of its kind in India, involved a controlled load and discharge of green methanol, designed to demonstrate that Deendayal Port has the operational readiness and infrastructure to handle methanol bunkering safely and efficiently.
Via our long-standing partner in India J M Baxi, Stolt Tankers was approached to support the trial. The ability of Stolt Tankers to provide access to a fully vetted, SIRE-inspected chemical tanker, capable and accustomed to safely handle such operation was a decisive factor in a successful outcome.
Maren Schroeder, President of Stolt Tankers commented:
"Deendayal Port is positioning itself at the forefront of the global green fuel transition in India. Stolt Tankers sees real opportunity here: strengthening our business relationships in India, with both the port and with our valued partners at J M Baxi; and in supporting India's broader ambitions to supply green fuel to the world.
“Green methanol is one of the most promising alternative marine fuels. For Stolt Tankers, actively supporting the development of green methanol bunkering infrastructure is an important part of progressing towards decarbonisation within the shipping industry.”
The trial was attended by the most senior port delegates and Stolt-Nielsen regional representatives, reflecting the high level of national and political interest in establishing India as a credible green fuel supplier on the global stage.
The operation was a success and a testament to the cooperation of all involved.
