In a historic milestone for India’s maritime sector, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has welcomed the first fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) at its Mundra Port in Gujarat. This event marks a significant leap forward in the nation’s crude oil import capabilities, showcasing the port’s readiness to handle massive supertankers without lighterage.
The VLCC, carrying over 2 million barrels of crude oil, docked successfully at the port’s advanced berths, demonstrating the efficiency of Mundra’s deep-draft infrastructure. Developed over years of strategic investment, the port now boasts a draft of up to 20 meters, enabling direct berthing of the world’s largest oil tankers. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming ship-to-ship transfers that have long plagued Indian ports.
Industry experts hail this as a game-changer. ‘Mundra’s ability to accommodate fully loaded VLCCs positions India competitively on the global stage, reducing logistics costs and enhancing energy security,’ said a senior analyst from a leading maritime consultancy. The development aligns with India’s push towards self-reliance in energy infrastructure under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Adani Ports, India’s largest private port operator, has invested billions in expanding Mundra’s capacity. The port now handles over 140 million tonnes of cargo annually, with liquid bulk terminals playing a pivotal role. This VLCC arrival is the culmination of rigorous trials, dredging operations, and state-of-the-art navigation aids implemented in recent months.
Looking ahead, APSEZ plans further enhancements, including additional VLCC berths and pipeline connectivity to inland refineries. This move not only boosts Mundra’s throughput but also supports India’s refining giants like Reliance Jamnagar, located nearby. As global oil trade intensifies, Mundra stands poised to capture a larger share of imports, driving economic growth and operational excellence.
The successful berthing underscores Adani’s vision of building world-class ports that propel India’s maritime ambitions. Stakeholders across the energy and logistics sectors are optimistic about the ripple effects on trade efficiency and national economy.