GAIL (India) Limited achieved a significant operational milestone on June 2, 2025, as it successfully received its first LNG vessel, GAIL Bhuwan, at the Dabhol terminal. The vessel was welcomed by GAIL Chairman & Managing Director Sandeep Kumar Gupta and Director (Marketing) Sanjay Kumar, officially launching uninterrupted, year-round operations at the terminal.
The berthing follows the commissioning of a newly constructed breakwater, transforming the Dabhol terminal into an all-weather port after securing all necessary statutory clearances. This development is particularly important for maintaining safe and efficient LNG operations during the Southwest monsoon season, a period known for challenging marine conditions along India’s western coastline.
Located strategically on Maharashtra’s coast, the Dabhol LNG Terminal plays a critical role in India’s energy network. With a regasification capacity of 5.0 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), it connects to key regions through the Dabhol–Bangalore and Dabhol–Panvel cross-country gas pipelines.
What sets Dabhol apart is its island breakwater structure—a departure from traditional land-linked designs—representing a major accomplishment in marine engineering. The construction of this unique feature involved complex technical execution and required coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders.
The commissioning of the breakwater is expected to improve vessel access and increase utilisation of the terminal, thereby strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure and ensuring more consistent gas supplies.
This milestone aligns with GAIL’s broader expansion plans, which include increasing Dabhol’s capacity from 5.0 MMTPA to 6.3 MMTPA over the next three years. Once the expansion is complete, the terminal will be capable of handling up to 100 LNG cargoes annually, further reinforcing India’s push toward greater energy security.
