Mumbai port calls for methanol bunker supply proposals

The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has invited proposals from companies to supply methanol as a marine fuel at the Port of Mumbai.

IMAGE: Cargo ships in the Port of Mumbai. Getty Images

The initiative aims to position Mumbai as a key methanol bunkering hub for the shipping sector.

MbPA seeks to identify companies that can:

• ensure a consistent and dependable supply of methanol for bunkering
• manage the safe handling, storage and transfer of methanol during bunkering operations
• work jointly with MbPA to develop and implement safe bunkering infrastructure and procedures

Respondents are required to propose methanol with a carbon intensity of no more than 90 gCO2e/MJ on a well-to-wake basis. They must also provide details on composition, certification pathway, secured offtake arrangements and total annual production capacity.

In addition, participants need to outline transportation, storage and transfer requirements at Mumbai, along with infrastructure support required from MbPA. They are also expected to specify storage plans within Mumbai Port, including development or securing of facilities, supply capacity in terms of annual volumes, and estimated timelines for physical delivery.

Based on the response to this proposal, MbPA will subsequently appoint authorised bunker suppliers for methanol supply.

The deadline for submissions is 19 May 2026.

Methanol is gaining traction as a marine fuel. The global methanol-capable fleet currently comprises 118 vessels, with a further 333 expected to be added by 2030, according to DNV. Of these, 191 are container ships, highlighting strong adoption within the segment.

By Tuhin Roy

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