State-run gas company GAIL has reportedly hired a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier from Total on a three-year deal to transport the chilled fuel from the United States starting early next year.
Speaking to Press Trust of India, GAIL’s senior official noted the agreement includes a one-year extension option.
Total’s vessel was selected among 30 other bids submitted to an invitation by the Shipping Corporation of India.
The French company has hired the vessel from Teekay LNG Partners until 2029 to ship the chilled fuel from Yemen.
The official noted that the Shipping Corporation of India has been urged to float a new tender for two or three additional vessels that would ferry GAIL’s LNG volumes contracted at Cheniere’s Sabine Pass LNG facility and Dominion’s Cove Point export plant.
The hiring comes following GAIL’s unsuccessful attempts to charter nine LNG newbuilds, three of which were supposed to be built domestically.