India’s leading gas supplier GAIL (India) Limited is moving into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering arena with a new partnership centred on Kandla Port on the country’s north‑western coastline. The collaboration, formalised in late August, brings together GAIL’s LNG handling experience, Deendayal Port Authority’s (DPA) strategic infrastructure and DNV’s technical safety know‑how.
Tripartite agreement signed
The three parties executed a Tripartite Cooperation Agreement on 21 August 2026 at Kandla, as reported by Ship & Bunker. GAIL highlighted the signing in a social‑media post, confirming that the pact will steer studies into bunkering infrastructure, supply chains and safety frameworks.
Roles of the partners
LNG Prime notes that GAIL is India’s largest gas utility, positioning it to provide the core LNG expertise required for bunker operations. The port authority, identified by Maritime Gateway as the owner of “strategic port infrastructure,” will facilitate site access and logistical support. DNV, described by ship.energy as a provider of “global technical expertise in maritime safety and LNG bunkering,” will oversee design standards and compliance with international regulations.
Strategic importance of Kandla
Kandla is already being earmarked for alternative marine fuels; Ship & Bunker recalls that earlier this year the terminal hosted India’s first methanol‑bunkering demonstration. Despite these advances, LNG has “yet to gain a significant foothold in India’s marine fuel market,” according to the same source, underscoring the pioneering nature of the new initiative.
Roadmap and next steps
The agreement calls for feasibility studies that will map out the required bunkering infrastructure, assess supply‑chain logistics and establish an operational ecosystem. GAIL’s statement on ship.energy adds that the project will also explore AI‑driven voyage optimisation to curb bunker consumption and greenhouse‑gas emissions under real‑world conditions.
What this means for operators
Ship owners and charterers operating in the Indian Ocean region should monitor the Kandla development closely. If the feasibility work confirms a reliable LNG supply at competitive rates, vessels equipped for dual‑fuel operation could secure a low‑sulphur alternative to conventional marine diesel ahead of tighter emissions regulations. Early engagement with GAIL’s bunkering services may also grant operators preferential access during the pilot phase, potentially reducing fuel costs and positioning fleets as early adopters of cleaner propulsion in South Asia.