Country’s first very large Gas carrier, Shivalik, gets a ceremonial welcome at Visakhapatnam Port
The vessel, operating under Indian ownership and flag, called at the Port to unload her maiden consignment of LPG cargo
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, accorded a ceremonial welcome to India’s first Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) Shivalik at Visakhapatnam Port on Monday.
The Shivalik, recently inducted under the Indian flag by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), represents a significant leap in India’s maritime and energy logistics capability. The vessel, operating under Indian ownership and flag, called at the Port to unload her maiden consignment of LPG cargo.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said the induction of Shivalik under the Indian flag was a “proud moment for the nation and a testament to India’s growing strength in global shipping and energy trade.’‘ The milestone is in alignment with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030, reinforcing India’s pursuit of self-reliance, indigenous ownership, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
MAngamuthu, Chairperson, Visakhapatnam Port Authority VPA), commended SCI for its progressive initiative and reaffirmed VPA’s commitment to providing all possible support. The port would work closely with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to transform Visakhapatnam into a leading energy logistics hub on the eastern coast, Angamuthu said.
Several development projects
The Union Minister also inaugurated several development projects at the port, including the operation and maintenance of the East Quay (EQ)-1A Terminal, set up with an investment of ₹130 crore.
The project includes the deployment of two 120-tonne Harbour Mobile Cranes (HMCs) and connected infrastructure, enhancing capacity by 3 MMTPA. It is also expected to generate around 150 jobs, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen Visakhapatnam Port’s position as a key cargo hub on the East Coast, according to a release.
Published on October 6, 2025
