GAIL Delays LNG Tender Deadline Again, Gives More Time to Bidders

Petronet LNG Indias gas utility has yet again pushed back the USD 7 million tender for nine LNG carriers, this time for one month. Namely, the bids were due by the end of February, nevertheless the deadline has been postponed until March 31st. As explained by the GAIL s Chairman, BC Tripathi, quoted by the India Times, the decision to postpone the tender is based on the bidders request to be given more time to finalize their offers. However, the terms and conditions of the tender remain unchanged. The company postponed the tender deadline four times so far amid failure to attract bidders. The tender is quoted in three lots of three ships each, out of which three ships are to be built in India to boost Indian shipbuilding capabilities. The LNG carriers ordered overseas are to be completed by May 2019, whereas the batch to be built by domestic shipyards should be delivered between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. World Maritime News Staff