The company has a growing portfolio of LNG projects around the world. Each of the carriers will have a capacity of 135,000 cubic meters and will be delivered in the third quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003.

According to Dick de Jong, director, Shell's gas and power global business, the new ships along with the company's time-chartered LNG vessel will provide them with shipping capacity to support its global LNG strategy. This involves development of a portfolio of LNG projects including new markets in India, the Americas and the Mediterranean.

The vessels will be manned and operated by Shell International Trading and Shipping Company (STASCO).

Commenting on the contract in view of Shell's liquefied natureal gas development programme for India, Martin Foley, director and vice president (gas and power), Shell India, said, "The contract demonstrates Shell's commitments to deliver its promises in India by taking advantage of the many benefits of its global reach."

Shell International Trading and Shipping Company is the principal trading and shipping subsidiary of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group providing supplies and services to Shell operating companies, group equity joint venture projects and third party customers around the world.

A Shell-led consortium was awarded the Hazira terminal project by the Gujarat Maritime Board after a competitive bidding process in November 1999. The project involves developing a LNG-driven port and a terminal. The terminal will have a minimum permanent contractual capacity of 2.5 mtpa LNG, expanding to 5 mtpa within two years.