Kochi Port Welcomes First LNG-Powered Container Ship
PORTS & SHIPPING

Kochi Port Welcomes First LNG-Powered Container Ship

The Vallarpadom Container Terminal at Kochi made history as it "turned green" with the arrival of a 365-meter-long container carrier, the MSC ROSE. This significant event marks the first time a container ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has docked at the port, ushering in a new era of eco-friendly maritime operations.

Captain Bhaskar Kunji, chief pilot of Kochi Port Trust, proudly noted the transition from conventional diesel to LNG, emphasizing its environmental and efficiency benefits. "This is a game changer in the global shipping business," Kunji said. Unlike diesel, LNG is less polluting and more fuel-efficient, with the added advantage that ships can switch to diesel if LNG supplies are exhausted mid-voyage.

The MSC ROSE, owned by the Aponte family and headquartered in Switzerland, has a cargo capacity of 15,500 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). Each TEU corresponds to the volume of a standard 20-foot intermodal container. According to Kunji, this vessel is just the beginning, with even larger container carriers expected to arrive in India, reflecting the nation's growing importance in global trade.

"This development is a good reason for all to turn green and go green," remarked a shipping executive from a foreign company, highlighting the broader implications of this shift towards sustainable fuel in the maritime industry. As India continues to play a major role in global commerce, the adoption of LNG-powered ships at its ports symbolizes a commitment to greener and more efficient trade practices.

The Vallarpadom Container Terminal at Kochi made history as it turned green with the arrival of a 365-meter-long container carrier, the MSC ROSE. This significant event marks the first time a container ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has docked at the port, ushering in a new era of eco-friendly maritime operations. Captain Bhaskar Kunji, chief pilot of Kochi Port Trust, proudly noted the transition from conventional diesel to LNG, emphasizing its environmental and efficiency benefits. This is a game changer in the global shipping business, Kunji said. Unlike diesel, LNG is less polluting and more fuel-efficient, with the added advantage that ships can switch to diesel if LNG supplies are exhausted mid-voyage. The MSC ROSE, owned by the Aponte family and headquartered in Switzerland, has a cargo capacity of 15,500 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). Each TEU corresponds to the volume of a standard 20-foot intermodal container. According to Kunji, this vessel is just the beginning, with even larger container carriers expected to arrive in India, reflecting the nation's growing importance in global trade. This development is a good reason for all to turn green and go green, remarked a shipping executive from a foreign company, highlighting the broader implications of this shift towards sustainable fuel in the maritime industry. As India continues to play a major role in global commerce, the adoption of LNG-powered ships at its ports symbolizes a commitment to greener and more efficient trade practices.

Next Story
Real Estate

Centre proposes digital property law to modernise registrations

In a landmark move to modernise India’s property registration system, the Central Government has released the draft Registration Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the 117-year-old Registration Act of 1908. The proposed legislation introduces a fully digital, paperless, and citizen-centric framework for registering immovable property — a first for India’s real estate sector. Prepared by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development, the draft bill proposes key changes such as online submission and registration of documents, electronic admission and verific..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

GMDA Approved to Cut 1,300 Trees for Gurugram Metro Construction

The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has obtained approval to fell 1,300 trees between Millennium City Centre and Hero Honda Chowk for the Gurugram Metro project, officials stated on Monday.A senior GMDA official mentioned that the forest department had granted clearance the previous week. The official explained that permission had been received to cut down 1,300 trees, while approval for felling an additional 500 trees on the stretch from Hero Honda Chowk to Sector 9 was expected soon. They added that the modalities for tree felling would be coordinated with Gurugram Metro R..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

PIB Clears East-West Corridor for Lucknow Metro Project

The Public Investment Board (PIB) has granted approval for the East-West Corridor of the Lucknow Metro, with an estimated project cost of ₹5,801 crore. This corridor, part of Phase 1B of the metro project, will cover a distance of 11.165 km, stretching between Charbagh and Vasantkunj.The decision was made during a PIB meeting held in Delhi in the first week of May, which was chaired by the Union Finance Secretary. The approval followed the clearance of the detailed project report (DPR) by the Uttar Pradesh government in March 2024. Subsequently, the Network Planning Group (NPG) provided the ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?