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IOC receives in-principle approval
Madhu Chittora
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd has got in-principle approval to transport LNG in tankers to end users. For this, IOCL has a technological tie-up with Chart Industries, USA. The in-principle approval has come from Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), which examines and reviews technical and safety aspects of LNG terminals to ensure conformity with national and international codes and standards, as stipulated by the Central government.
"This is going to take place for the first time in our country," says A.N. Biswas, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, PESO. The in-principle approval involves tanker loading at Petronet LNG's terminal, transporting it to end users and eventually transferring it to the storage tanks of end users/customers. The in-principle approval also includes license for tanker for transporting LNG and license for storage at the users' end. Industries in Gujarat would be the end users.
"The basic approach of IOCL is satisfactory. That is why they have been given in-principle approval," Biswas says. The final approval and permission will be given only after PESO is apprised of the company's modus operandi vis-à-vis transportation of LNG, security aspects etc. It is learnt that IOC has provided the organisation with details pertaining to fire-fighting systems, control methods and other related areas. "After the final approval certification by third party agency, inspection by PESO officials will be carried out," Biswas noted at the India LNG 2006 conference organised by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
PESO has granted in-principle approval of a LNG storage installation and allowed import of a few storage and transport tanks.
[16 January 2006]
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