The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) proudly welcomed its newly inducted Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) Shivalik at Visakhapatnam Port today, marking her maiden voyage under the Indian flag and SCI ownership.
Shivalik, with a capacity of 82,000 CBM, was inducted into SCI’s fleet on 10th September 2025. Renamed after the Shivalik mountain range, 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 Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who was accompanied by Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Visakhapatnam), Shri Mathukumili Sribharat, Hon’ble MLA (Visakhapatnam South), Shri Ch.Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Shri 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. Hon’ble Union Minister 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. The visit symbolised the Government’s encouragement and support to India’s growing tonnage under the national flag.
In his 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. 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.
The first arrival of Shivalik in India under the Indian flag marks a symbolic acceleration of India’s participation in the global gas trade. It also strengthens energy connectivity between the Arabian Gulf and India, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable LPG transportation for the nation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted that the induction of Shivalik represents a significant step towards realising the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to transform India into a leading maritime nation under the Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047. The Minister 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.
The Minister 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. He reaffirmed that the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime sector as part of the journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
This milestone also resonates with recent Government initiatives, including the ₹ 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 ₹ 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.
Marex Media