In a positive move forward for India’s plans to build LNG carriers at domestic yards Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has been granted a license agreement by GTT to construct LNG carriers using its membrane containment systems.

CSL becomes the first Indian shipyard to be licensed by GTT after successfully completing the GTT qualification process including membrane tank mock-up installation. CSL is also working in partnership with Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI).

“Obtaining this technology has made a significant positive change to the technical competence and stature of this yard. Going forward, we feel that this technology would help the yard to tap the huge shipbuilding prospects in the LNG vessel segment,” said K Subramaniam, chairman and md of CSL

“Our partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries has been a critical factor in CSL completing GTT's stringent qualification requirements."

Philippe Berterottière, chairman and ceo of GTT, commented: "We are very pleased to sign this agreement and to grant our first License Agreement in India. It marks the beginning of a promising cooperation with CSL.