GAIL (India) Ltd., a state-owned company, has successfully completed the first berthing and discharge operation at its Dabhol LNG terminal in Maharashtra, India. The vessel GAIL Bhuwan was received at the facility following the completion of a breakwater project, enabling year-round operations, according to a GAIL media release.

GAIL completed the first berthing and discharge operation at the Dabhol LNG terminal.

The breakwater, commissioned after securing all required approvals, has designated the Dabhol LNG terminal as an all-weather port. This upgrade ensures safe and consistent LNG operations, even during the Southwest monsoon, which typically disrupts marine logistics along India’s west coast, GAIL noted.

Situated on Maharashtra’s coastline, the terminal has a regasification capacity of 5.0 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and supports India’s gas supply through the Dabhol-Bangalore and Dabhol-Panvel pipelines. The facility plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure, GAIL stated.

The breakwater, a unique island structure, utilized advanced marine engineering and differed from conventional land-connected designs. Its construction required extensive collaboration and innovative solutions to address significant technical challenges, according to GAIL.

The completed breakwater enhances vessel access and boosts the terminal’s capacity utilization, improving the reliability of energy supply. GAIL plans to expand the terminal’s capacity from 5.0 MMTPA to 6.3 MMTPA within three years. Post-expansion, the facility is expected to handle up to 100 LNG cargoes annually, further supporting India’s energy needs, GAIL said.