Distya Akula 1st Indian tanker to load Iran oil post sanctions

Distya Akula, a crude oil vessel co-owned by Elektrans Group, has become the fist Indian tanker to load Iraninan crude post removal of US sanctions against the Gulf nation.
"MT Distya Akula is the first Indian Suezmax tanker to load 130,000 MT(metric tonne) of Iranian crude for Litasco, the trading arm of Russia's Lukoil three weeks after the removal of sanctions against Iran," the company said in a statement.
The vessel has a deadweight tonnage of 150,000 tonnes.
The loading of the crude has taken place from February 5 to 11, 2016. Previously, Distya Akula was in the Persian Gulf heading towards Al Basrah port in Iran on January 31, 2016.

Post loading, the vessel will travel from Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf to Constanta on the Black Sea, the company said.
Built by Mitsui Ichihara Engineering and Shipbuilding, Japan, Distya Akula has a capacity of carrying a full load of about 149,000 metric tonnes of oil cargoes equivalent to about 6,000 oil carrying road trucks of standard size.

In partnership with Arya Industries, Gauri Ships - which is part of the Elektrans Group - co-owns and operates Distya Akula, Suezmax crude oil tanker, the statement said adding with a crew complement of 24, she is flying the Indian flag.

"We have always been at the forefront of innovation. Distya Akula's assignment as the first Suezmax tanker to lift Iranian oil in the wake of the removal of sanctions against Iran, is indicative of our ambition to embark as a global leader," Daniel Chopra- Chairman and Managing Director of Elektrans Group said.
Elektrans Group, from owning and operating Indian flag vessels to third party vessel management, offers solutions that furnish the current requirements of the global shipping community.
"The accomplishment is symbolic of our robust foothold and connects that range across the globe. In an endeavour to explore unforeseen avenues, we consistently innovate to enhance the services rendered to our clients," said Puneet Arya- Joint Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arya industries.