Handling of VLCC at Chennai port

The Chennai Port is all set to create another record in its 137 years of service to the Maritime Trade of the Country when it berths a VLCC ( Very Large Crude Carrier) vessel on 31^st August 2018in its continuous endeavor to provide efficient service to meet the requirements of the Port Users and the trade says a release.

The berthing of a big ship like VLCC in an alongside berth inside an enclosed harbour will be the first ever of its kind in an Indian Port and by  berthing the vessel, the  Chennai Port will be the first among the  Ports of India  to have such remarkable achievement.

            The Vessel, m.t. New Diamond of 1,60,079 GRT, chartered by M/S Indian Oil Corporation Limited on account of M/S Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited which left the BASRA Oil Terminal on 19^th August with 1,33,719 metric tonnes of Basra light Crude oil is likely to arrive at Chennai Port at 2130 hrs on 30^th August, 2018 and will be berthed along side in the Oil Docks of the Chennai Port on 31^st August.

 Navigation of such a bigger vessel inside the break waters 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.

The Chennai Port is presently handling Suezmax oil tankers upto 1,50,000 DWT and the berthing of the VLCC at Chennai Port  will facilitate CPCL in improving the Economies of scale by optimization of expenditure. The officials of Chennai Port and CPCL are in close co-ordination for planning various operational requirements for the successful berthing of the VLCC at Chennai Port.