Visakhapatnam - The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal received country’s third Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) “Shivalik” under the Indian flag marking a proud milestone in India’s maritime resurgence and energy security, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Welcoming the vessel at Visakhapatnam Port, Shri Sonowal said the induction of ‘Shivalik' by the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) reflects India’s growing capacity for “Atmanirbharata” (self-reliance) in the shipping sector and its increasing participation in the global  energy trade.

“The arrival of Shivalik under our national flag is not just a fleet expansion , it is a statement of confidence in India’s maritime resurgence under the visionary PM Shri Narendra Modi  and our growing strength as a leading global maritime nation,” Shri Sarbananda Sonowalsaid.

 “Our seafarers are the ambassadors of India’s maritime might,” Sonowal said, addressing the 29-member crew led by Capt. Bhaskar Tandon. “The Shivalik stands as a beacon of our determination to expand Indian-flag tonnage and reduce dependence on foreign carriers for critical energy cargo.”

He added that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is moving strongly toward becoming one of the world’s top five maritime nations by 2047.

“We are in the midst of the golden era for India’s maritime sector,” Sonowal said. “From policy reform to infrastructure creation, the transformation we are witnessing today is unprecedented. India’s maritime renaissance is well underway.”

The Union Ministeroutlined how this milestone aligns with the government’s larger strategy for maritime expansion and energy resilience. SCI’s 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.

“SCI 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’s efforts to save $75 billion (₹6 trillion) in foreign exchange paid annually towards freight charges to foreign shipping lines:” confirmed Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. Similarly, SCI’s 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’s footprint in container shipping — enhancing Export-Import efficiency and competitiveness.

“These initiatives not only reinforce India’s energy security and maritime capacity but also boost domestic shipbuilding, repair, and ancillary industries,” He added. “They will create high-quality employment and position India as a maritime power with resilience, innovation, and pride.”

 “Our vision is to make India a design–build–finance–own–repair–recycling powerhouse,”. A future where a far larger share of India’s export import 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.”

The Minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to seize this moment of transformation.

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.

SCI’s 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.