Chennai: The Chennai Port will set another record in its 137 years of operation in Maritime Trade when it berths a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) vessel on 31 August.
The berthing of a big ship like the VLCC inside an enclosed harbour will be the first ever of its kind attempted by an Indian Port.
The vessel, MT New Diamond of 1,60,079 GRT, chartered by M/S Indian Oil Corporation Limited on account of M/S Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited had left the BASRA Oil Terminal on 19 August with 1,33,719 metric tonnes of Basra light Crude oil.
It is likely to arrive at Chennai Port on 30 August and will be berthed alongside in the Oil Docks of the Chennai Port on 31 August.
“Navigation of such a bigger vessel inside the breakwaters is a challenging task and requires professional acumen and sufficient towage support. The Marine Department of Chennai Port has made all arrangements for berthing the vessel with high powered tugs and professionally trained Pilots of the Port will be engaged for safe navigation and berthing of the vessel,” a statement from the Chennai Port said.
On the benefits of berthing such large vessels, the Chennai Port officials said, “The VLCC will facilitate CPCL in improving the economies of scale by optimization of expenditure.”