Press Releases

[New Delhi, February 15, 2005]

GAIL signs MOU with NIO for Gas Hydrate Exploration and
Exploitation in Indian Offshore areas
(Sl. No. ND/CC/05/14)

GAIL (India) Limited today signed a MOU with National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) at the 3rd Asia Gas Buyers Summit held in New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Mr. B.S Negi, Director (Planning), GAIL with Dr. Satish R. Shetye, Director, NIO. Also present at the ocassion were Mr. Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL and senior officials of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The two companies have signed Memorandum of Understanding for Gas Hydrate Exploration and Exploitation in Indian Offshore areas. GAIL is actively participating in the Gas Hydrate projects under National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP). The company is also utilizing the expertise of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, which is engaged in carrying out multidisciplinary R & D works in the field of Oceanography and Gas Hydrates.

There are good opportunities to combine the experience of GAIL & NIO in areas of cooperation projects under NGHP, projects on Gas Hydrate in Indian Ocean and Survey and Studies in Indian Ocean. Under the MoU, a joint work group will be set up to discuss and finalize specific projects related to Exploratory and Exploitation of Gas Hydrate. Both GAIL and NIO shall nominate their representative to the joint working group within a month from the date of signing of this MoU. The joint working group with details of deliverables, timelines and funding schedule will evaluate projects proposals on gas hydrate. NIO and GAIL will exchange data generated, processed and interpreted during this collaboration in digital/paper output as and when required. Work output of each individual work will be provided to GAIL. NIO shall submit a copy of all the data to DGH, being repository of NGHP. NIO and GAIL scientists will associate in acquisition, processing and interpretation of data pertaining to all projects related to Exploration and Exploitation of Gas Hydrate.