New Delhi, November 14, 2023: GAIL, India’s leading natural gas company and a public sector undertaking, clinched two prestigious awards at the Asian Oil and Gas Awards event held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
1. Innovation Award-India: Reducing LNG Shipping Costs and Emissions
GAIL received the coveted “Innovation Award-India” for its commendable efforts in reducing LNG shipping costs and emissions. The recognition stemmed from GAIL’s implementation of Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer of LNG with backhauling. The groundbreaking move contributed to a significant reduction in both cost and environmental impact.
2. Midstream Project of the Year-India: First Floating CNG Station at Varanasi
GAIL was also honored with the “Midstream Project of the Year-India” for its pioneering project – the installation of the first floating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station in Varanasi. This accolade acknowledges GAIL’s excellence in executing innovative projects within India’s oil and gas sector.
Details of the Achievement
GAIL’s charter hired the LNG vessel AI Gharrafa from QatarGas in Gibraltar, marking the world’s first STS between a large conventional LNG vessel and a Q-Flex LNG Vessel. This unique transfer involved cargo movement from Castillo De Santisteban to AI Gharrafa, resulting in substantial savings.
The innovation led to:
- Saving approximately 8736 nautical miles, equivalent to around 7000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
- Shortening the voyage of GAIL’s chartered vessel from 54 days to approximately 27 days.
Impact on Environmental Conservation
This groundbreaking approach aligns with GAIL’s commitment to environmental sustainability, demonstrating a remarkable reduction in carbon footprint and setting new standards in the industry.
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Floating CNG Station in Varanasi: Transforming Waterway Transportation
GAIL’s floating CNG station on the River Ganga at Namo Ghat, Varanasi, is a pioneering initiative globally. The station facilitates the use of cleaner fuel, CNG, for powering boats, contributing to a gradual transition from polluting fuels to cleaner and more affordable alternatives.
GAIL has successfully created a CNG dispensing infrastructure that adapts to the varying water levels, ensuring a seamless and reliable supply of cleaner fuel.
The Varanasi project signifies GAIL’s commitment to sustainable practices and its role in transforming the transportation landscape, particularly in the realm of waterway transit.
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