Cochin Shipyard in talks with global firms for LNG vessel

With LNG-vessel construction avenue opening up for the first time in India, Union government-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has started discussion with global shipping lines to join hands for a bid for the GAIL contract for LNG (liquefied natural gas) contained vessels.

GAIL recently invited proposals for construction and charter of LNG vessels beginning September 2017 to import LNG. Potential bidders, who will lease out the ships to GAIL, will need to bid for at least one lot of three ships, one amongst which will be constructed at an Indian shipyard. Currently, Shipping Corporation of India is the only Indian ship owner fulfilling all requirements of the tender.

Preliminary technology talks are on between CSL and French engineering firm Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT). The shipyard is also in discussion with Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Private shipyards Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding and Pipavav Defence & Offshore Engineering are also known to be interested in securing the contract.

All three Korean companies did not respond to mails sent by Business Standard. GTT said it could not comment on specifics but said it was \"exchanging with various principals in India”.

All the three Korean companies have earlier constructed LNG carriers for India. All the carriers are presently leased to Petronet LNG on a long-term contract.