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Draft DGMA Engineering Wing Circular No. xx of 2026 - Methanol Bunkering Guidelines. Any comments/inputs/suggestions may be sent to the Engineering wing of the DGMA by email to "pravin.roy- dgs@gov.in" till August 25, 2026.
Applicable to:
All ships calling at Indian ports, Methanol bunker suppliers, terminal operators, port authorities, and other entities involved in Methanol bunkering operations
Effective Date:
Upon final issuance
Superseded Circulars:
None explicitly stated
Key Changes and Requirements: Methanol Bunkering Guidelines
1. Purpose and Scope — Draft DGMA Engineering Wing Circular No. xx of 2026
The DGMA issues these guidelines to establish a regulatory framework for Methanol bunkering in India, ensuring safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency. These guidelines apply to all ships, bunker suppliers, terminal operators, and port authorities involved in Methanol bunkering operations within Indian ports.
2. Methanol Bunkering Requirements — Section 2.2
- Minimum requirements: Safety, operational, technical, environmental, emergency preparedness, personnel competency, training, inspection, and reporting.
- Approval framework: Established for Methanol bunker suppliers, including application, evaluation, registration, audits, and enforcement mechanisms.
II/4 Methanol grades and specifications
Methanol supplied for bunkering shall conform to ISO 6583:2024, specifying three marine methanol grades (MMA, MMB, MMC) and their quality parameters.
Important Note
Methanol is a low-flashpoint liquid fuel, toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It requires specific safety measures as outlined in these Guidelines.
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