Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has issued a tender for the construction of two 1,700 TEU containerships designed to be ready for methanol propulsion. The tender also includes an option for an additional four vessels of the same specification. A key condition of this tender grants Indian shipyards the right of first refusal, enabling them to match any offers submitted by foreign shipbuilders.
This move by SCI aligns with the broader industry trend towards decarbonization and the adoption of alternative fuels to meet environmental regulations. Methanol-ready vessels provide flexibility for future fuel transitions, allowing operators to switch to green methanol as its availability and infrastructure develop.
For freight forwarders and shippers, this development signals a long-term commitment by a major carrier to sustainable shipping. While the immediate impact on rates or capacity is negligible, it contributes to the gradual shift towards a greener fleet, which may eventually influence carbon surcharges or preferred carrier choices for environmentally conscious supply chains. The construction timeline for such vessels typically spans several years, so any operational impact would be in the medium to long term.
