Kolkata Port Advances LNG Infrastructure with Major Rs 260 Crore Investment
In a significant move to bolster liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure in eastern India, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has entered into a license agreement with East Horizon Pvt Ltd. The deal, signed on March 6, paves the way for the establishment of a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) at the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC).
Project Details and Strategic Importance
This ambitious project involves an investment of approximately Rs 260 crore and is poised to significantly enhance the port's capabilities in handling LNG. The initiative is a crucial step towards developing cleaner energy infrastructure in the region, aligning with national energy goals.
The proposed FSRU facility will enable the import, storage, and regasification of LNG, thereby strengthening the national gas supply chain. This development supports the Government of India's vision to increase the share of natural gas in the country's energy mix, promoting a shift towards more sustainable fuel sources.
Broader Economic and Industrial Impact
Beyond energy, this project aligns with the broader objective of promoting port-led industrialisation and economic development in eastern India. By enhancing LNG infrastructure, the region is expected to attract more industrial activities and foster sustainable growth.
SMPK chairman Rathendra Raman emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the establishment of the FSRU at Haldia Dock Complex marks a pivotal step towards enhancing LNG infrastructure in eastern India. He highlighted that the project will facilitate greater adoption of cleaner fuels, strengthen energy security, and reinforce SMPK's role in supporting sustainable industrial growth in the region.
The collaboration between SMPK and East Horizon Pvt Ltd underscores a concerted effort to modernize energy logistics and contribute to India's cleaner energy transition, setting a precedent for future infrastructure developments in the sector.
