Vizag port welcomes gas carrier ‘Shivalik’

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, will flag off the Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) Shivalik at Visakhapatnam Port today, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime and energy logistics sectors. The vessel, recently inducted under the Indian flag by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), is expected to enhance the nation’s capacity to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strengthen the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in energy logistics. Its maiden call at Visakhapatnam Port highlights India’s growing maritime infrastructure and operational capabilities.

Visakhapatnam Port has been a pivotal hub for India’s maritime trade, handling a record 82.62 million tonnes of cargo during the 2024-25 fiscal year. Located strategically on the East Coast, the port serves as a key gateway for energy and cargo transportation. The induction of Shivalik further consolidates Visakhapatnam’s role in regional and global maritime trade, reinforcing its position as a critical energy and cargo hub.

The event is also aligned with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at modernizing ports, increasing capacity, and positioning India as a competitive global trans-shipment and shipbuilding hub. Visakhapatnam Port plays a vital role in this vision, with ongoing infrastructure projects designed to improve operational efficiency and promote sustainable practices.

For Andhra Pradesh, the induction of Shivalik is part of a broader push to strengthen the state’s maritime sector. The development of India’s first national mega shipbuilding cluster at Dugarajapatnam is expected to create employment, attract foreign investment, and enhance India’s share in the global shipbuilding market. These initiatives are set to transform the state into a key player in both domestic and international maritime industries.

During his visit, Minister Sonowal is scheduled to attend a public meeting at Saligrampuram, where he will inaugurate several developmental projects undertaken by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. These projects aim to upgrade port infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and support sustainable development, further cementing Visakhapatnam Port’s role in India’s energy and maritime ambitions.

The flagging off of Shivalik and the accompanying infrastructure initiatives represent a transformative phase for Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh, strengthening the state’s position in India’s maritime trade and energy logistics while supporting long-term economic growth and strategic self-reliance.