Context
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal accorded a ceremonial welcome to India’s first Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC), ‘Shivalik’, at Visakhapatnam Port. This marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime logistics and energy transportation capacity.
Key Highlights
- Vessel Details:
- Shivalik is India’s first VLGC, recently inducted by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) Ltd.
- Represents a major advancement in India’s LPG consignment handling and energy logistics.
- Designed for import and coastal operations involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
- Port Significance:
- The event was hosted by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA).
- Enhances VPA’s capacity as a major cargo hub on the East Coast, especially for energy and gas imports.
Other Major Developments at Vizag Port
- Smart Video Surveillance Project:
- Inaugurated by Sonowal; valued at ₹37.5 crore.
- Developed by RailTel Corporation of India Ltd., integrating AI/ML-based video analytics and IoT technologies.
- Includes an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) with five years of O&M support.
- Harbour Infrastructure Modernisation:
- New 100-tonne Harbour Mobile Cranes (HMCs) commissioned.
- Additional 5.4 lakh tonnes of capacity created, enhancing throughput by 3 MMT per annum.
- Energy and Sustainability Projects:
- Commissioning of rooftop solar plants under MoUs with Energy Resources and Environment Management worth ₹350 crore.
- Plans for ISO fuel bunkering station and LPG terminal expansion to handle large consignments.
- Digital & Health Initiatives:
- Launch of Digital Health Card System for port workers.
- QR-based medical check-up system to streamline port health services.
Strategic and Economic Significance
- Boosts India’s self-reliance in gas transportation, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Blue Economy vision.
- Reduces dependence on foreign carriers for LPG imports.
- Strengthens India’s energy logistics chain and improves port efficiency through AI-enabled surveillance and smart management.
- Positions Visakhapatnam as a critical hub for energy trade and digital maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific region.