India: Kochi Terminal Set to Receive First LNG Cargo

Petronet’s Kochi LNG terminal is about to receive its first cargo from Qatar. The 125,500 cbm WilEnergy is currently anchored at the outer channel of Cochin Port, shipping data reveals.

The LNG tanker will be berthed in another two to three days.

“This is the first LNG vessel, so we have to ensure everything in place before the vessel enters the harbour. The LNG brought in the vessel will be mainly used to test the pipelines and if there is any surplus, that will be used for distribution,” The New Indian Express reported citing unidentified sources.

The Kochi terminal is located on a 40ha site in the Puthuvype special economic zone and it will have a capacity of 5 mtpa.

However, the terminal would operate at just 7-8 per cent of the 5 million tonnes capacity in the first year in the absence of a pipeline to carry the fuel to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

[mappress]

LNG World News Staff, August 12, 2013; Image: Awilco LNG