Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and GAIL (India) Limited have entered into a long-term charter agreement for the LNG carrier “GAIL BHUWAN.” The partnership marks another milestone in the two companies’ longstanding collaboration in LNG shipping and energy logistics.
Agreement Signed at India Energy Week 2026
The signing ceremony took place on 27 January 2026 during India Energy Week 2026 in Goa. GAIL and LNG Japonica Shipping Corporation Limited—a joint venture between MOL (74%) and GAIL (26%)—formally executed the agreement.
Hisashi Umemura, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Director General of MOL’s Energy Business Headquarters, and S. Bairagi, Executive Director (International Shipping & LNG) at GAIL, signed the contract in the presence of GAIL’s Chairman & Managing Director, functional directors, and senior representatives from MOL.
Strengthening LNG Shipping and Energy Logistics
Building on decades of partnership, the agreement further deepens cooperation between MOL and GAIL in LNG transportation. Leveraging MOL’s proven expertise in safe, high-quality, and reliable maritime operations, the charter reinforces supply chain resilience across India’s growing energy ecosystem.
Supporting India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
Importantly, the charter aligns with India’s ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, strengthening national maritime capabilities and enhancing energy supply security. At the same time, both MOL and GAIL remain committed to their ambitious net-zero emission targets, with this collaboration contributing to the global transition toward a low-carbon and decarbonized future.
MOL Expands Energy Focus in India Under BLUE ACTION 2035
Meanwhile, MOL continues to advance its regional growth strategy under its group management plan “BLUE ACTION 2035.” By identifying Asia as a high-growth region—and India as a key market—MOL has steadily expanded its business footprint in the country. Through the growth of its energy portfolio, including LNG transportation projects such as this charter, MOL aims to support rising energy demand while contributing to a stable and efficient energy supply chain.
GAIL Strengthens LNG Portfolio and Maritime Capabilities
As India’s leading natural gas company, GAIL operates across the entire natural gas value chain, including trading, transmission, LPG, LNG shipping, re-gasification, petrochemicals, city gas distribution, and E&P activities. The company owns and operates more than 18,001 km of natural gas pipelines across India.
As per the press release, in addition, GAIL maintains one of the world’s most diversified LNG portfolios to ensure long-term supply security. Through its logistics integration strategy, the company has also built India’s largest LNG carrier fleet, reinforcing maritime strength and ensuring uninterrupted LNG availability to meet the country’s growing domestic demand.
