DPA Kandla invites bids for India’s first port-based bio-methanol plant

The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has issued a tender for the establishment of India’s first port-based bio-methanol production facility on an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis, marking a major step in the country’s maritime green energy transition.

Planned with a capacity of 10 tonnes per day (TPD), or 3,500 tonnes per annum (TPA), the plant will use oxy-steam gasification technology to convert biomass into bio-methanol. The scope covers design, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and product certification, with bidders required to outline plant life, warranties, capital expenditure, and operating costs.

The move follows DPA’s earlier call in May for turnkey proposals for a larger integrated plant of over 15,000 MTPA, and its February 2025 agreement with Bapu’s Shipping Jamnagar Pvt. Ltd. to develop India’s first bio-methanol bunkering facility, including a dedicated bunker barge, at Kandla Port.

Officials say the initiative will cut greenhouse gas emissions, align with global decarbonisation measures such as FuelEU Maritime and the IMO’s GHG strategy, and position Kandla as India’s first port-integrated bio-methanol hub. DPA has urged industry participation, calling it “a green initiative with transformative potential for India’s shipping and energy sectors.”