Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the gas carrier Shivalik at Visakhapatnam Port, marking its first operation under the Indian flag. Recently acquired by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the Shivalik signifies India’s advancement in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) logistics and deep-sea cargo transport. Its induction aligns with the government’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and highlights the expansion of the Indian merchant fleet.
During the visit, Sonowal also launched several infrastructure projects by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) aimed at boosting cargo handling capacity and operational efficiency. These developments support Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to foster modern, sustainable, and digitally advanced port ecosystems.
The Shivalik, classified as a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC), is poised to enhance India’s energy logistics and minimize reliance on foreign vessels for LPG transport. This further establishes Visakhapatnam as a vital energy and trade hub on the eastern coast of India.
Sonowal referred to the vessel’s launch as a significant achievement for Indian shipping, reinforcing the country’s ambition to emerge as a global maritime leader.
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