Fueling the Future: The Case for Great Nicobar as a Strategic Bunkering Hub

Great Nicobar Island is being developed by the Government of India as a major container transhipment hub approximately 40 nm from the Malacca Strait, which handles approximately 35% of global sea trade. This study explores the island’s potential to serve as a green fuel bunkering hub for international container ships refuelling in Singapore.

Our findings show that if container vessels currently bunkering in Singapore shifted to the Great Nicobar transhipment port, it would require an additional approximately 4 Mt of hydrogen, 25 Mt of ammonia, or 23 Mt of methanol annually. Meeting this demand could use up to half of India’s planned green hydrogen capacity, making careful planning essential. The findings support a phased approach that aligns with global climate targets, while also emphasizing the need to protect the island’s unique ecosystems and local communities.

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