Dabhol LNG terminal ready by March/April next year
Sharp differences have emerged between GAIL and lenders over whether to hive off the incomplete LNG receiving terminal at Dabhol from the captive 2150-MW power plant.
On the ground, however, Ratnagiri Gas & Power, a 50:50 joint venture between GAIL and NTPC and new Dabhol owner, is confident the plant can be commissioned by early 2009, according to a press release issued September 26. When exactly in 2009 Inquiries by PETROWATCH reveal earlier than you think.
“The LNG terminal should be ready to receive cargoes by April,†confirms a source close to the project. “Two of the three LNG tanks will be ready by then.
†Delhi-based engineering contractor Punj Lloyd and UK-based consultant Whessoe are working to ensure the LNG tanks are ready. “All three LNG tanks were at different stages of completion when Punj and Whessoe took over,†adds our source.
“Right now they are testing the tanks for leakage. But all the main pre-commissioning work like hydro testing and purging will happen only in March or April next year.
†But Ratnagiri Gas is faced with a critical problem: how to resolve a mismatch between the design parameters of the main pipeline used to evacuate gas from the LNG terminal into GAIL’s pipeline network. “GAIL and NTPC discovered the mismatch in the pressure â€کsend out system’ and decided to carry out modifications in July,†we hear.
“The â€کoutlet’ parameters of the LNG terminal should be the same as the â€کinlet’ parameters of GAIL’s pipeline. Without the modifications, the LNG terminal cannot be commissioned.
†Another important decision holding up project completion was the late order of a â€کtug berth’, used by â€کtug boats’ to guide the LNG tanker up to the terminal jetty. “Usually a tug boat guides the vessel into the terminal and stays berthed close to the jetty until the vessel evacuates the LNG,†we hear.
“It stays there to guide the tanker out of the terminal if there is an emergency.â€