![\"azadi](\"https:\/\/static.pib.gov.in\/WriteReadData\/specificdocs\/photo\/2021\/aug\/ph202183101.png\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIndia Strengthens Maritime ‘Atmanirbharata\u2019 as VLGC Shivalik Anchors Under India’s Flag\u201d: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
\u201cOil PSU JVs to Build 112 Vessels, Save $350 Billion Forex by 2047:\u201d Shri Sarbananda Sonowal<\/p>\n\u201cIndia Envisions End-to-End Maritime Excellence with Build, Own, Repair, Recycle\u201d: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal<\/p>\n
\u201cIndia on Course to Become a Top Five Maritime Nation by 2047 Under PM Modi ji\u2019s Leadership\u201d: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal<\/p>\n
<\/span> <\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Posted On: 06 OCT 2025 7:47PM by PIB Delhi <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal received country\u2019s third Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) \u201cShivalik\u201d<\/em> under the Indian flag marking a proud milestone in India\u2019s maritime resurgence and energy security, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047<\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWelcoming the vessel at Visakhapatnam Port, Shri Sonowal said the induction of \u2018Shivalik’ by the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) reflects India\u2019s growing capacity for \u201cAtmanirbharata\u201d<\/em> (self-reliance) in the shipping sector and its increasing participation in the global energy trade.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe arrival of Shivalik under our national flag is not just a fleet expansion , it is a statement of confidence in India<\/em>\u2019s maritime resurgence under the visionary PM Shri Narendra Modi and our growing strength as a leading global maritime nation,\u201d <\/em>Shri Sarbananda Sonowal <\/strong>said. \u201cIt symbolises the resilience, capability, and \u2018Atmanirbharta\u2019 that our beloved PM Modi has envisioned for Bharat. This initiative reinforces India<\/em>\u2019s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant, and globally competitive shipping sector to set the economy sail towards Viksit Bharat.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe 82,000 CBM VLGC Shivalik, named after the Himalayan range, was inducted into SCI\u2019s fleet on Sept. 10, 2025, and joins Sahyadri and Anandamayi as the corporation\u2019s third VLGC. Built in South Korea, the 225-meter-long carrier represents cutting-edge maritime engineering with segregated tanks, advanced temperature control, and compliance with global safety and efficiency standards.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u2018Shivalik’ completed her maiden voyage by loading more than 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) \u2014 comprising propane and butane \u2014 at Ruwais, UAE, before arriving in Visakhapatnam for discharge operations for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Ministry said the vessel\u2019s arrival under the Indian flag has \u201cimmense strategic significance\u201d<\/em> as it strengthens India\u2019s energy connectivity with the Arabian Gulf and ensures secure, efficient, and reliable LPG transportation to the nation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cOur seafarers are the ambassadors of India<\/em>\u2019s maritime might,\u201d <\/em>Sonowal said, addressing the 29-member crew led by Capt. Bhaskar Tandon. \u201cThe Shivalik stands as a beacon of our determination to expand Indian-flag tonnage and reduce dependence on foreign carriers for critical energy cargo.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHe added that under Prime Minister Modi\u2019s leadership, India is moving strongly toward becoming one of the world\u2019s top five maritime nations by 2047.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe are in the midst of the golden era for India<\/em>\u2019s maritime sector,\u201d <\/em>Sonowal said. \u201cFrom policy reform to infrastructure creation, the transformation we are witnessing today is unprecedented. India<\/em>\u2019s maritime renaissance is well underway.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Union Minister <\/strong>outlined how this milestone aligns with the government\u2019s larger strategy for maritime expansion and energy resilience. SCI\u2019s ongoing collaborations with Oil and Steel PSUs, under the guidance of the Ministries of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), are paving the way for a new era of Indian-owned and Indian-flagged vessels.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cSCI is currently working with Oil PSUs to aggregate demand for 112 vessels and form a joint venture (JV) for long-term fleet augmentation. The initiative is expected to contribute to the nation\u2019s efforts to save $75 billion (<\/em>\u20b96 trillion) in foreign exchange paid annually towards freight charges to foreign shipping lines:\u201d <\/em>confirmed Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. Similarly, SCI\u2019s partnership with Steel PSUs aims to strengthen the dry bulk segment, while its plan to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) will boost India\u2019s footprint in container shipping \u2014 enhancing EXIM efficiency and competitiveness.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThese initiatives not only reinforce India<\/em>\u2019s energy security and maritime capacity but also boost domestic shipbuilding, repair, and ancillary industries,\u201d<\/em> He added. \u201cThey will create high-quality employment and position India as a maritime power with resilience, innovation, and pride.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Minister highlighted a series of transformative policy measures undertaken by the government to build a robust maritime ecosystem. Sonowal said the \u20b969,725 crore comprehensive package for the maritime and shipbuilding sectors<\/em> will accelerate shipbuilding, modernisation, and competitiveness. The government has also extended the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) till 2036 with a corpus of \u20b924,736 crore, ensuring sustained support for Indian shipyards.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIn addition, a Maritime Development Fund (MDF) worth \u20b925,000 crore \u2014 comprising a \u20b920,000 crore investment fund and a \u20b95,000 crore interest incentivisation fund \u2014 has been established to enable long-term financing and strengthen the industry\u2019s global competitiveness. The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), with an outlay of \u20b919,989 crore, aims to expand India\u2019s domestic shipbuilding capacity to 4.5 million gross tonnage annually, boosting employment and skill development.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nShri Sonowal said these measures, coupled with infrastructure status for large vessels, customs duty exemptions for shipbuilding components, and reforms such as the extension of the tonnage tax regime to inland vessels, are \u201claying the foundation of a globally competitive maritime ecosystem. <\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cOur vision is to make India a design\u2013build\u2013finance\u2013own\u2013repair\u2013recycling powerhouse,\u201d<\/em>. A future where a far larger share of India<\/em>\u2019s EXIM cargo sails on Indian-built and Indian-owned vessels. We are fixing historic cost disadvantages, creating world-class clusters, and accelerating the green transition that will power Viksit Bharat 2047.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to seize this moment of transformation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe arrival of Shivalik symbolises India<\/em>\u2019s march toward maritime self-reliance and strength. Together, we are scripting a new chapter in India<\/em>\u2019s maritime destiny \u2014 one that sails under the proud tricolour, with confidence, courage, and conviction.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe vessel was received in the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal along with Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumili Sribharat, MLA (Visakhapatnam South) Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Chairman Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, and SCI Chairman and Managing Director Capt. B. K. Tyagi. Senior officials from SCI and VPA also attended the event.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe dignitaries were given a guided tour of the vessel\u2019s Navigational Bridge and Cargo Control Room by Capt. Bhaskar Tandon, Master of Shivalik, and Chief Officer Vivek Tyagi. The visit underscored the government\u2019s commitment to supporting Indian-flagged shipping and strengthening the country\u2019s maritime presence.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nEquipped with segregated tanks and advanced temperature management systems, Shivalik represents cutting-edge maritime engineering and operational efficiency. Capt. Tyagi said SCI is working closely with oil public sector undertakings (PSUs) to expand Indian tonnage, reduce dependence on foreign carriers, and enhance operational reliability and cost efficiency.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSCI\u2019s fleet currently comprises 58 owned vessels, totalling 5.26 million DWT, across segments including crude carriers, product tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, LPG carriers, and offshore support vessels.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/static.pib.gov.in\/WriteReadData\/userfiles\/image\/image00119SY.jpg\")
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<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n*****<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSR\/GDH\/PN\/HK<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n(Release ID: 2175547)<\/span>
<\/span> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways \u201cIndia Strengthens Maritime ‘Atmanirbharata\u2019 as VLGC Shivalik Anchors Under India’s Flag\u201d: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal\u201cOil PSU JVs to Build 112 Vessels, Save $350 Billion Forex by 2047:\u201d Shri Sarbananda Sonowal \u201cIndia Envisions End-to-End Maritime Excellence with Build, Own, Repair, Recycle\u201d: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal \u201cIndia on Course to Become a Top […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-362337","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-others"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/362337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=362337"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/362337\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=362337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=362337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=362337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Welcoming the vessel at Visakhapatnam Port, Shri Sonowal said the induction of \u2018Shivalik’ by the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) reflects India\u2019s growing capacity for \u201cAtmanirbharata\u201d<\/em> (self-reliance) in the shipping sector and its increasing participation in the global energy trade.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe arrival of Shivalik under our national flag is not just a fleet expansion , it is a statement of confidence in India<\/em>\u2019s maritime resurgence under the visionary PM Shri Narendra Modi and our growing strength as a leading global maritime nation,\u201d <\/em>Shri Sarbananda Sonowal <\/strong>said. \u201cIt symbolises the resilience, capability, and \u2018Atmanirbharta\u2019 that our beloved PM Modi has envisioned for Bharat. This initiative reinforces India<\/em>\u2019s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant, and globally competitive shipping sector to set the economy sail towards Viksit Bharat.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The 82,000 CBM VLGC Shivalik, named after the Himalayan range, was inducted into SCI\u2019s fleet on Sept. 10, 2025, and joins Sahyadri and Anandamayi as the corporation\u2019s third VLGC. Built in South Korea, the 225-meter-long carrier represents cutting-edge maritime engineering with segregated tanks, advanced temperature control, and compliance with global safety and efficiency standards.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Shivalik’ completed her maiden voyage by loading more than 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) \u2014 comprising propane and butane \u2014 at Ruwais, UAE, before arriving in Visakhapatnam for discharge operations for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Ministry said the vessel\u2019s arrival under the Indian flag has \u201cimmense strategic significance\u201d<\/em> as it strengthens India\u2019s energy connectivity with the Arabian Gulf and ensures secure, efficient, and reliable LPG transportation to the nation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur seafarers are the ambassadors of India<\/em>\u2019s maritime might,\u201d <\/em>Sonowal said, addressing the 29-member crew led by Capt. Bhaskar Tandon. \u201cThe Shivalik stands as a beacon of our determination to expand Indian-flag tonnage and reduce dependence on foreign carriers for critical energy cargo.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n He added that under Prime Minister Modi\u2019s leadership, India is moving strongly toward becoming one of the world\u2019s top five maritime nations by 2047.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe are in the midst of the golden era for India<\/em>\u2019s maritime sector,\u201d <\/em>Sonowal said. \u201cFrom policy reform to infrastructure creation, the transformation we are witnessing today is unprecedented. India<\/em>\u2019s maritime renaissance is well underway.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Union Minister <\/strong>outlined how this milestone aligns with the government\u2019s larger strategy for maritime expansion and energy resilience. SCI\u2019s ongoing collaborations with Oil and Steel PSUs, under the guidance of the Ministries of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), are paving the way for a new era of Indian-owned and Indian-flagged vessels.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSCI is currently working with Oil PSUs to aggregate demand for 112 vessels and form a joint venture (JV) for long-term fleet augmentation. The initiative is expected to contribute to the nation\u2019s efforts to save $75 billion (<\/em>\u20b96 trillion) in foreign exchange paid annually towards freight charges to foreign shipping lines:\u201d <\/em>confirmed Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. Similarly, SCI\u2019s partnership with Steel PSUs aims to strengthen the dry bulk segment, while its plan to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) will boost India\u2019s footprint in container shipping \u2014 enhancing EXIM efficiency and competitiveness.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThese initiatives not only reinforce India<\/em>\u2019s energy security and maritime capacity but also boost domestic shipbuilding, repair, and ancillary industries,\u201d<\/em> He added. \u201cThey will create high-quality employment and position India as a maritime power with resilience, innovation, and pride.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Minister highlighted a series of transformative policy measures undertaken by the government to build a robust maritime ecosystem. Sonowal said the \u20b969,725 crore comprehensive package for the maritime and shipbuilding sectors<\/em> will accelerate shipbuilding, modernisation, and competitiveness. The government has also extended the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) till 2036 with a corpus of \u20b924,736 crore, ensuring sustained support for Indian shipyards.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In addition, a Maritime Development Fund (MDF) worth \u20b925,000 crore \u2014 comprising a \u20b920,000 crore investment fund and a \u20b95,000 crore interest incentivisation fund \u2014 has been established to enable long-term financing and strengthen the industry\u2019s global competitiveness. The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), with an outlay of \u20b919,989 crore, aims to expand India\u2019s domestic shipbuilding capacity to 4.5 million gross tonnage annually, boosting employment and skill development.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Shri Sonowal said these measures, coupled with infrastructure status for large vessels, customs duty exemptions for shipbuilding components, and reforms such as the extension of the tonnage tax regime to inland vessels, are \u201claying the foundation of a globally competitive maritime ecosystem. <\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur vision is to make India a design\u2013build\u2013finance\u2013own\u2013repair\u2013recycling powerhouse,\u201d<\/em>. A future where a far larger share of India<\/em>\u2019s EXIM cargo sails on Indian-built and Indian-owned vessels. We are fixing historic cost disadvantages, creating world-class clusters, and accelerating the green transition that will power Viksit Bharat 2047.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to seize this moment of transformation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe arrival of Shivalik symbolises India<\/em>\u2019s march toward maritime self-reliance and strength. Together, we are scripting a new chapter in India<\/em>\u2019s maritime destiny \u2014 one that sails under the proud tricolour, with confidence, courage, and conviction.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The vessel was received in the presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal along with Visakhapatnam MP Mathukumili Sribharat, MLA (Visakhapatnam South) Ch. Vamsi Krishna Srinivas, Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Chairman Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, and SCI Chairman and Managing Director Capt. B. K. Tyagi. Senior officials from SCI and VPA also attended the event.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The dignitaries were given a guided tour of the vessel\u2019s Navigational Bridge and Cargo Control Room by Capt. Bhaskar Tandon, Master of Shivalik, and Chief Officer Vivek Tyagi. The visit underscored the government\u2019s commitment to supporting Indian-flagged shipping and strengthening the country\u2019s maritime presence.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Equipped with segregated tanks and advanced temperature management systems, Shivalik represents cutting-edge maritime engineering and operational efficiency. Capt. Tyagi said SCI is working closely with oil public sector undertakings (PSUs) to expand Indian tonnage, reduce dependence on foreign carriers, and enhance operational reliability and cost efficiency.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n SCI\u2019s fleet currently comprises 58 owned vessels, totalling 5.26 million DWT, across segments including crude carriers, product tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, LPG carriers, and offshore support vessels.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n *****<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n SR\/GDH\/PN\/HK<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n (Release ID: 2175547)<\/span> Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways \u201cIndia Strengthens Maritime ‘Atmanirbharata\u2019 as VLGC Shivalik Anchors Under India’s Flag\u201d: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal\u201cOil PSU JVs to Build 112 Vessels, Save $350 Billion Forex by 2047:\u201d Shri Sarbananda Sonowal \u201cIndia Envisions End-to-End Maritime Excellence with Build, Own, Repair, Recycle\u201d: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal \u201cIndia on Course to Become a Top […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-362337","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-others"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/362337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=362337"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/362337\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=362337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=362337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.technologyforyou.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=362337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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