GAIL Boosts LNG Fleet with Long-Term Charter Deal from K-Line.

GAIL (India) announced recently the signing of a long-term time charter contract with Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (K-LINE) for a newly built LNG carrier. The agreement, executed through a Singapore-based ship-owning company, marks the first long-term collaboration between GAIL and K-LINE involving a newly constructed vessel.

The LNG ship, featuring a modern two-stroke engine and a tank capacity of 1,74,000 cubic meters, will be constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea. It is slated for delivery in 2027 and will play a crucial role in GAIL’s operations, transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to meet global and domestic demands.

K-LINE brings 40 years of experience in LNG transportation to the partnership, underscoring the technical expertise behind the project.

Currently, GAIL operates a fleet of four LNG vessels: GAIL Bhuwan, GAIL Urja, Grace Emilia, and Maran Gas Pericles. Two additional vessels, including another new-build on a long-term charter, are set to join the fleet next year.

GAIL manages a diversified LNG sourcing portfolio exceeding 15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with supplies sourced from multiple geographies on FOB (Free on Board) and DES (Delivered Ex-Ship) terms. Its LNG fleet is primarily deployed to lift volumes contracted on an FOB basis, particularly from North America, to serve domestic and international customers.

This expansion reinforces GAIL’s commitment to enhancing its LNG supply chain and strengthening its position in the global LNG transportation sector.

HBL