SCI takes delivery of second crude container from S Korean co

The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) accepted delivery of a Very Large Crude Carrier, m.t. Desh Vishal, on 25th June, 2009. 

The vessel is the second of SCI’s two VLCCs which were being constructed at Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. South Korea. Orders for these vessels were placed in October 2005 and the first vessel i.e. “Desh Viraat” was delivered to SCI during October, 2008. 

The vessel has a gross tonnage of 162,412 tonnes and deadweight of 321,137 tonnes and is the largest vessel in the Indian Register. The vessel is larger compared to the sister vessel m.t. Desh Viraat by about 600 tonnes. The vessel has been classed with ABS and IRS and has been built to comply with the latest and most stringent international regulations. 

India as a nation is heavily dependent on import of crude oil and having tankers under Indian flag provides vital energy security to the country. Energy transportation has continued to remain the core business segment for SCI and induction of this vessel in the SCI’s fleet is expected to strengthen its position in the energy transportation sector. 

SCI has a fleet of 79 vessels at present and acquisition of the vessel is in line with SCI’s strategy of maintaining a modern and young fleet of vessels. The Company has 30 vessels on order at present and has an ambitious plan to order additional 40 ships during the next 2-3 years.