Shipping Corporation of India inducts second very large gas carrier ‘Shivalik’
MUMBAI: Adding to its fleet, the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) has inducted ‘Shivalik’, the second Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC), on Wednesday, which will boost energy supplies between the Persian Gulf and India.
This newly acquired vessel bearing IMO number 9356892, built in South Korea, is renamed as after the Shivalik mountain range of the Himalayas.
“This vessel further strengthens SCI’s and country’s LPG transportation capacity, enhancing secure and efficient movement of vital energy supplies between the Persian Gulf and India,” SCI officials said on Thursday.
VLGC Shivalik has a cargo carrying capacity of 82,000 CBM, with 225 meters length overall (LOA), 36 meters in width, and depth of 22 meters. It is classed with both DNV and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring strict compliance with the established international standards and regulations thereby enhancing maritime safety, environmental protection, reducing risks and improving efficiency.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal congratulates SCI on inducting VlGC ‘Shivalik’ into its fleet. In his message he wrote on X
“A momentous day for Bharat’s maritime sector and our march towards energy self-reliance!
Congratulations to @shippingcorp on inducting the giant VLGC ‘SHIVALIK’ into its fleet. This milestone strengthens India’s LPG transport capacity and reflects our unwavering resolve under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji. With rapid fleet expansion, we are boosting strategic capabilities, ensuring a secure energy supply chain for every household, and advancing #AtmanirbharBharat in the maritime domain”.
This is the second VLGC induction in a month’s time by the SCI, the public sector undertaking that that operates and manages vessels servicing both national and international lines
On 14 August, the SCI inducted VLGC Sahyadri, which has already been deployed for trade.
The two second-hand VLGCs, each with a capacity of 82,000 CBM, have been inducted as the MoA signed on 4 July 2025.
SCI now has a total of three VLGC in its diversified fleet.
With this induction, SCI’s fleet now stands at 58 owned vessels totalling 5.26 million DWT, covering various categories, including Crude Oil Carriers, Product Tankers, Bulk Carriers, Cellular Container Vessels, LPG, and Offshore Vessels.
Aligned with the Government of India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision 2030, SCI’s expanded LPG fleet underscores its commitment to promoting Atmanirbharta in shipping, boosting India’s energy security, and enhancing its global competitiveness in the maritime sector.