Minister Sonowal flags off India-flagged gas carrier Shivalik at Visakhapatnam port

By Admin

06 Oct, 2025

In a landmark moment for India’s maritime and energy transport sector, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the India-flagged gas carrier ‘Shivalik’ at Visakhapatnam Port today. The event marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its self-reliance in maritime logistics and energy transportation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

A Symbol of India’s Maritime Strength
The Shivalik, recently acquired by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), represents India’s growing capability in handling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) logistics and deep-sea cargo movement. Inducted into the national fleet last month, this addition emphasizes the government’s continuous focus on expanding the Indian merchant fleet and reducing reliance on foreign-flagged vessels.

Enhancing Energy Logistics and Trade
As a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC), the Shivalik is expected to play a vital role in strengthening India’s energy supply chain, especially in the transport of LPG. Its induction highlights a significant stride toward achieving energy security and boosting the nation’s maritime trade capacity. The move also positions Visakhapatnam Port as a crucial energy and trade hub on India’s eastern coastline, contributing to the country’s overall maritime growth.

Infrastructure Push at Visakhapatnam Port
During his visit, Minister Sonowal also inaugurated several key infrastructure projects at the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). These initiatives are designed to improve cargo handling capacity, operational efficiency, and sustainability, aligning with the vision of Maritime India Vision 2030   a strategic blueprint to develop modern, green, and digitally enabled ports across the nation.

A Step Toward Global Maritime Leadership
Speaking at the ceremony, Sonowal described the flagging-off as “a proud moment for Indian shipping and a step forward toward becoming a global maritime leader.” The event not only celebrates India’s technological and operational progress in the maritime sector but also reaffirms the government’s commitment to making India a maritime powerhouse in the years ahead.

The Shivalik sets sail as a symbol of national pride and progress, reflecting India’s determination to achieve excellence in shipping, logistics, and energy transport   steering confidently toward a self-reliant maritime future.