Gail debates build or charter solution for LNG newbuilds

Officials for the Indian LNG importer tell TradeWinds that the project remains “at a discussion stage” as Gail and the country’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas try to thrash out how to handle the company’s shipping requirements for the volumes it has purchased from the US.

Those following the business closely say Gail appears to have accepted that it is now too late to get the first of the LNG newbuildings it has tendered for by 2018 and is now looking at options for chartering in tonnage or cargo swaps to reduce vessel demand.

Shipowners