India's GAIL lifts first cargo on Alpha Gas LNG carrier

GAIL has confirmed that it has started operations with its chartered Alpha Gas LNG Carrier Energy Fidelity. 

GAIL said that the carrier had departed the US LNG facility Sabine Pass, located on the Gulf Coast in Louisiana, on 20 April, with a cargo bound for India.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the energy company said the cargo "reflects the deepening energy partnership between India and the United States, anchored in mutual trust, shared goals of energy security, and expanding economic collaboration".

The 174,000-m³ Energy Fidelity, built in 2023, was fixed on a five-year charter at rates in the high US$70,000s per day according to broker reports in early April.

According to ICIS data, a two-stroke LNG carrier on a contract of this length would earn around US$78,000 per day, broadly aligning with broker estimates.

“This agreement reflects a strong partnership, shared vision, and our joint commitment to supporting global energy security. Energy Fidelity will strengthen GAIL’s LNG portfolio, and we are proud to contribute with our high-quality fleet and operational excellence,” Alpha Gas said in a social media post at the time.

GAIL added that the charter “marks a key milestone under the ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, further strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and energy supply chain capabilities.”

India had a delegation in the US capital, Washington, DC, in late April to discuss a longer-term trade deal as well as a proposed interim trade deal that has been outlined between the two countries.