Rajkot: Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a 150-tonnes-per-day (TPD) e-methanol plant to be developed at Gandhidham as a joint venture between the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd.The plant, estimated to cost Rs 2,300 crore, is aimed at producing cleaner marine fuel and supporting the decarbonisation of the shipping sector. The project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities.Patel said the project would contribute to India’s green energy transition and green shipping goals. With a significant share of India’s trade moving through sea routes, he said decarbonising ports and shipping was important for meeting climate targets.The plant will be accompanied by bunkering facilities at Kandla, enabling cleaner marine fuel to be made available to ships. Once operational, it is expected to produce 150 tonnes of e-methanol a day, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and helping lower carbon emissions from maritime transport.Sarma said the project reflected the industrial partnership between Gujarat and Assam and could be expanded in the future to meet the fuel and energy requirements of domestic and international shipping.Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the project would strengthen the economic and industrial ties between the two states and create employment opportunities for the younger generation.Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd chairman Bikul Deka said the project would combine the company’s technical expertise with Gujarat’s port infrastructure. He said domestic production of green fuel could also strengthen energy security during disruptions in global supply chains.
