Indian Cochin shipyard and French containment systems specialist Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) have signed an agreement that will enable the yard to construct India’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.
In a deal signed on Monday, Cochin received a license by GTT for the construction of LNG carriers using GTT’s membrane containment systems after successfully completing the GTT qualification process including membrane tank mock-up installation. Cochin is the first Indian shipyard to be licensed by GTT.
“Going forward, we feel that this technology would help the yard to tap the huge shipbuilding prospects in the LNG vessel segment. Our partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has been a critical factor in CSL completing GTT’s stringent qualification requirements,” Commodore K Subramaniam, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL, said.
Indian shipyards lack the necessary expertise in construction of these complex ships, therefore India’s Cochin Shipyard Ltd entered into a deal with South Korean Samsung Heavy Industries to share the technology and know-how.
“In the scope of an energy transition towards cleaner energy, such as LNG, India will need LNG carriers equipped with the latest technologies, which GTT will provide. We also feel building LNG ships in India, with the assistance of Samsung Heavy Industries, will not only enhance the initiative of “Make in India” objective of government of India, but will also provide excellent opportunity to an Indian shipyard in the growing LNG market,” Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, said.
As a result, Cochin will have all the necessary technology and be ready to bid for Gail India’s LNG carriers to be built locally, three out of nine ships in total.