GAIL (India) Ltd will begin monsoon-season operations for the first time at its five million ton per annum (MTPA) Dabhol LNG terminal in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. This move follows the company’s completion of a long-awaited breakwater facility—an essential infrastructure upgrade that now enables year-round receipt of LNG cargoes. Previously, rough seas and high tides during the monsoon forced GAIL to suspend terminal operations from May 25 for nearly four months each year.
Breakwater Unlocks All-Weather Capability
The newly constructed breakwater significantly improves ship access during harsh weather, marking a major milestone in operational resilience and reliability. “Our breakwater has been completed. We have applied for an all-weather terminal status with the authorities and hope to get authorisation in a week’s time. So we will schedule LNG cargoes accordingly,” informed Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman, GAIL. The move positions GAIL to optimise LNG logistics and enhance supply chain stability, especially during a period when domestic demand for natural gas is on the rise.
Phased Capacity Expansion on the Horizon
Looking ahead, GAIL is preparing to scale up the Dabhol LNG terminal’s capacity in two phases:
- Phase 1: Expand to 6.3 MTPA by mid-2027
- Phase 2: Further boost capacity to 12.5 MTPA by 2031–32
The ambitious expansion aligns with India’s broader energy strategy to increase natural gas’s share in the energy mix and strengthen LNG infrastructure across the country.
Strategic Impact
The shift to year-round operations and future capacity enhancements signal GAIL’s intent to solidify Dabhol’s role as a key LNG gateway on India’s western coast. As reported by projectstoday.com, the developments will not only improve import flexibility but also support industrial and power sector demand, reinforcing India’s energy security and transition goals.
