Major port Visakhapatnam port Authority, (VPA) today recorded a key milestone in India’s maritime and energy domain by welcoming VLGC Shivalik, an Indian flag vessel carrying LPG thereby marking a symbolic acceleration of India’s participation in the global gas trade.
INS Shivalik the Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) which had recently been inducted into the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) made her maiden voyage to Visakhapatnam Port.
Shivalik, with a capacity of 82,000 CBM, was inducted into SCI’s fleet on 10th September 2025 and highlights India’s growing capability in energy transportation, maritime safety, and global competitiveness, further positioning the nation as a key player in the international maritime sector.
This newly acquired vessel bearing IMO number 9356892, built in South Korea, is renamed as after the Shivalik mountain range of the Himalayas, she is the second VLGC added this year after Sahyadri, raising SCI’s VLGC fleet strength to three.
On this historic occasion, the vessel was received in the august presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbanda Sonowal who was accompanied by Member of Parliament (Visakhapatnam), Mr Mathukumili Sribharat, MLA (Visakhapatnam South), Mr Ch.Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), Capt. B. K. Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, SCI and other senior officers of SCI and VPA.
Shipping Minister
Speaking on the occasion, the country’s shipping Minister noted that the induction of Shivalik represents a significant step towards realising the vision of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to transform India into a leading maritime nation under the Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047.
Mr Sonowal lauded SCI’s efforts in expanding Indian-flagged tonnage by carrying out joint initiatives with Oil PSUs and Steel PSUs. The Minister announced that the SCI–Oil PSU JV will save billions in foreign exchange and strengthen India’s energy security.
He also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s shipping, shipbuilding, port, and waterways sectors over the past 11 years, driven by the Make in India initiative and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Commending SCI’s fleet expansion plans, including the upcoming Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) and partnerships with Oil and Steel PSUs, he said these efforts will strengthen energy security, save foreign exchange, and position India for greater global maritime leadership.
The union minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime sector as part of the journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
VPA Chairman
Addressing the media VPA’s chairperson, Dr M Angamuthu, IAS said “This is a momentous occasion not only for Vizag and AP but the entire country”.
Identifying Vizag port as gateway port for energy and POL products he stated that 1/3rd of VPA’s cargo can be handled for POL. He added that VPA has the capacity to handle 25-30 MT POL related products.
“We want Vizag to become the energy capital on the east coast of India”.
Vizag MP
Visakhapatnam’s Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Mr M Sribharat too lauded this significant development and said that this shipment will further aggrandize the LPG infrastructure of the state so that millions of people can get much needed LPG to their homes.
SCI & The Maiden Voyage
Giving the welcome address, Capt. Tyagi shared that Shivalik embarked on her maiden trade voyage by loading more than 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG — comprising Propane and Butane — at Ruwais, UAE and will be proceeding with its first unloading at Visakhapatnam Port for the charterer – Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
With segregated tanks and advanced temperature management systems, the vessel exemplifies modern maritime engineering and operational excellence.
VLGC Shivalik is classed with both DNV and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring strict compliance with the established international standards and regulations thereby enhancing maritime safety, environmental protection, reducing risks and improving efficiency.
SCI, for continuing the Indian tonnage augmentation is closely working with Oil PSUs to ensure reliable transportation of oil and petroleum products, potentially reduce dependence on foreign shipping companies, and lead to operational efficiencies and cost savings.
This milestone also resonates with recent Government initiatives, including the Rs 69,725 crore package for shipbuilding and the maritime sector, the extension of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme till 2036, infrastructure status to large ships, and the creation of a Maritime Development Fund of Rs 25,000 crore to enable long-term financing and global competitiveness.
With the induction of Shivalik, SCI continues to expand its footprint, by leading in energy transportation, showcasing India’s readiness to play a larger role in global maritime trade.
Later, Union Ministers and Dignitaries were given a guided tour of Navigational Bridge and Cargo Control Room by the Master of vessel, Capt. Bhaskar Tandon and Mr. Vivek Tyagi, Chief Officer of VLGC Shivalik.
This development also strengthens energy connectivity between the Arabian Gulf and India, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable LPG transportation for the nation.
