Gail Bins LNG Carrier Tender

zoom After delaying the tender to build nine LNG carriers for three times, India’s gas utility Gail India Ltd has decided to scrap the tender. The initial plan envisaged for the third of the newbuilds to be built locally so as to boost Indian shipbuilding capabilities. However, it seems that this very precondition has turned away international bidders as they were not that eager to share their technology with local builders. In order for GAIL to be able to start its import activities in 2017, the tender should be finalized and awarded by May. Potential bidders had until 17 February to submit their proposals, however; as it turned out, there was no interest from bidders. “There was no point in going on extending the tender when there was no response. As a result, the tender has lapsed,” Indias financial daily Live Mint cited a Gail official as saying. According to him, Gail will issue a new tender, the details of which are currently being discussed. The LNG carriers are intended for transportation of LNG from USA to India. World Maritime News Staff