More investment is coming to the pride of Kerala’s Kochi Port. The possibility has become clear with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cochin Port Authority and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited for the establishment of LNG bunkering facilities for dual-fuel ships operating on LNG at the outer anchorage, inner harbour perimeter and the Petronet LNG Limited jetty.
This specific project aims to promote the use of clean fuel in maritime operations. It involves an investment of about Rs 500 crore. With this, the development dreams of the Cochin Port are taking wings.
The MoU was signed by Cochin Port Authority Traffic Manager Captain Himanshu Shekhar and BPCL Chief General Manager (Sales-I&C) Sanjay Kargaonkar in the presence of Cochin Port Authority Chairperson B Kashiviswanathan and BPCL Business Head Manoj Menon at the 2025 India Maritime Week held in Mumbai.
The partnership aligns with India’s vision to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. The LNG bunkering facility will support the country’s clean energy ambitions, in line with global environmental regulations and India’s commitment to green port initiatives, a joint press release said.
Cochin Port Authority Chairperson Kashi Viswanathan highlighted that the collaboration between Cochin Port and BPCL is a significant step towards promoting eco-friendly maritime activities and transforming Kochi into a leading LNG bunkering hub on the South Indian coast.
Bunkering facilities for conventional ships are already available in Kochi. However, the addition of LNG bunkering facilities will greatly help in increasing the revenue of the Port Authority and BPCL. It will also give a boost to environment-friendly policies.
The partnership aligns with India’s vision to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. The LNG bunkering facility will support the country’s clean energy ambitions, in line with global environmental regulations and India’s commitment to green port initiatives, a joint press release said.
Cochin Port Authority Chairperson Kashi Viswanathan highlighted that the collaboration between Cochin Port and BPCL is a significant step towards promoting eco-friendly maritime activities and transforming Kochi into a leading LNG bunkering hub on the South Indian coast.
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Bunkering facilities for conventional ships are already available in Kochi. However, the addition of LNG bunkering facilities will greatly help in increasing the revenue of the Port Authority and BPCL. It will also give a boost to environment-friendly policies.
The project is expected to start by the end of this year. It is also expected to create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities through the project. Everyone is looking forward to this as it is a step that will bring more employment opportunities.
The main point is that Kochi will become the LNG bunkering hub in South India by supporting domestic and international shipping. The move will also improve India’s LNG infrastructure and make it easier for ships to switch to cleaner fuels. It is also a project that further contributes to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.
