GTT boosts Cochin LNG carrier prospects

Cochin Shipyard is one of three yards bidding to build nine LNG carriers for Indian utility company GAIL. The yard has partnered with Samsung Heavy Industries to bring in the necessary building experience, and the GTT license further strengthens Cochin’s prospects.

K Subramaniam, chairman and managing director of Cochin Shipyard, commented: “Obtaining this technology has made a significant positive change to the technical competence and stature of this yard. 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 has been a critical factor in completing GTT’s stringent qualification requirements.”

Philippe Berterottière, chairman and CEO of GTT, added: “We are very pleased to sign this agreement and to grant our first license agreement in India. 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 ‘Made in India’ objective of Government of India, but will also provide excellent opportunity to an Indian shipyard in the growing LNG market.”