Adani Mundra Port makes history by berthing India’s first fully laden VLCC

MUNDRA : In a landmark achievement for India’s maritime sector, Adani Mundra Port has successfully berthed the country’s first fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), marking a significant milestone in India’s port and energy infrastructure capabilities.

The berthing of the ultra-large crude carrier underscores Mundra Port’s world-class marine infrastructure, advanced navigational systems, and operational excellence. Handling a fully laden VLCC—among the largest vessels in global shipping—requires deep draught capacity, robust berthing facilities, and precise marine coordination, all of which were executed seamlessly at the port.

Port officials said the successful operation highlights Mundra’s readiness to handle next-generation vessels and reinforces India’s growing stature as a global maritime and energy logistics hub. The development is expected to improve crude oil import efficiency by enabling economies of scale, reducing freight costs, and enhancing supply chain reliability for India’s energy sector.

Strategically located on the Gulf of Kutch, Mundra Port benefits from natural deep waters, state-of-the-art terminal infrastructure, and integrated connectivity with pipelines, rail, and road networks. The port’s capability to handle fully laden VLCCs positions it alongside leading international ports and strengthens India’s capacity to support rising energy demand.

Industry experts noted that this milestone not only reflects technological and operational advancement but also aligns with the government’s broader vision of enhancing port-led development and reducing logistics costs under national maritime initiatives.

With this achievement, Mundra Port has set a new benchmark for Indian ports, demonstrating that Indian maritime infrastructure can match the best in the world—transforming ambition into capability and placing India firmly on the global shipping map.