NEW DELHI: India marked a significant milestone in its maritime resurgence and energy security with the induction of the country’s third Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) “Shivalik” under the Indian flag at Visakhapatnam Port.
The vessel, received by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, underscores the nation’s growing self-reliance (“Atmanirbharata”) in shipping and its expanding role in global energy trade.
Welcoming the vessel, Sonowal said, “The arrival of Shivalik is not just fleet expansion — it is a statement of confidence in India’s maritime resurgence under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. It represents resilience, capability, and Atmanirbharta, steering the economy toward Viksit Bharat.”
Built in South Korea, the 225-meter-long, 82,000 CBM VLGC Shivalik features segregated tanks, advanced temperature control, and compliance with global safety and efficiency standards. The vessel completed its maiden voyage carrying over 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Ruwais, UAE, for discharge operations for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL).
Sonowal highlighted the strategic significance of the vessel, noting that it strengthens India’s energy connectivity with the Arabian Gulf and ensures secure, efficient, and reliable LPG transportation. Addressing the 29-member crew led by Capt. Bhaskar Tandon, he added, “Our seafarers are ambassadors of India’s maritime might. Shivalik stands as a beacon of our determination to expand Indian-flag tonnage and reduce reliance on foreign carriers.”
The Minister also emphasized India’s long-term vision under PM Modi’s leadership to become one of the world’s top five maritime nations by 2047. SCI’s collaborations with Oil and Steel PSUs, including the formation of a joint venture to build 112 vessels, are projected to save $75 billion (₹6 trillion) in foreign exchange by reducing dependence on foreign shipping lines. Plans to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) aim to boost India’s container shipping efficiency and EXIM competitiveness.
Sonowal outlined transformative government measures to strengthen maritime infrastructure and shipbuilding:
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₹69,725 crore comprehensive package for maritime and shipbuilding sectors
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Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) extended till 2036 with a corpus of ₹24,736 crore
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Maritime Development Fund (MDF) worth ₹25,000 crore
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Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) with an outlay of ₹19,989 crore to expand domestic shipbuilding to 4.5 million gross tonnage annually
“These initiatives are laying the foundation for a globally competitive maritime ecosystem,” Sonowal said. “Our vision is to make India a design–build–finance–own–repair–recycle powerhouse, ensuring a larger share of EXIM cargo sails on Indian-built and Indian-owned vessels.”
The vessel reception was attended by Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumili Sribharat, MLA Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, VPA Chairman Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, SCI Chairman & MD Capt. B. K. Tyagi, and senior officials from SCI and VPA. Delegates toured Shivalik’s Navigational Bridge and Cargo Control Room, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting Indian-flagged shipping and expanding maritime presence.
SCI’s fleet currently comprises 58 vessels, totaling 5.26 million DWT across crude carriers, product tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, LPG carriers, and offshore support vessels. The arrival of Shivalik underlines India’s strategic, industrial, and energy ambitions in the maritime sector.
