Context: Recently, Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the “world’s first CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) terminal” at Bhavnagar in Gujarat.

About the Project

• It is a brownfield port project.

• A consortium of London-based Foresight Group, Mumbai-based Padmanabh Mafatlal Group, and Rotterdam-based Boskalis signed a memorandum of understanding with Gujarat Maritime Board to develop a CNG terminal.

• It is named Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, a special purpose vehicle formed by the consortium.

• It will be developed on the north side under the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) policy of the state government.

• It is in close vicinity to the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).

• It is expected to serve the industries that set up base in the region.

• A modern container terminal, multipurpose terminal (LPG and Chemical), a Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) terminal for cargo ships, and a liquid cargo terminal will also be built by the private consortium.

Special lock-gate system

• The consortium will repair and redevelop the tidal lock gate system.

• It will be the 4th largest such system in the world.

• The system has been set up so that a minimal amount of sediment enters the port basin during high tide.

• The higher tidal range of 10 meters at Bhavnagar creek attracts a lot of sediment in the form of silt.

About Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

• CNG is mainly comprised of methane and is stored under high pressure.

• It is a clear, odourless, and non-corrosive gas.

Benefits

• It is a cheaper, greener, and more efficient alternative to the traditional petrol and diesel fuels for vehicles.

• It is safer than gasoline and diesel.

• Use of CNG reduces the carbon emission by 90 to 97 %.

• CNG vehicle emits 80% particulate matter and 35% less hydrocarbons.

Disadvantages

• CNG vehicles for one mile emits 20% more greenhouse gases than a diesel vehicle for one mile.

• The output of carbon monoxide is over 5 times more than diesel.

• It emits "nanocarbon" particles which can cause cancer.