Mon Oct 06 22:15:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

India welcomed its first Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC), the Shivalik, at Visakhapatnam port. The vessel, inducted under the Indian flag by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), signifies a major step in India’s maritime and energy logistics capabilities. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the event’s alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030, highlighting India’s pursuit of self-reliance in the maritime sector. Plans for developing a shipbuilding center at Dugarajapatnam, supported by the central government, were also discussed, aiming to position India as a top shipbuilding nation by 2047. Visakhapatnam Port Authority pledged its support in transforming the region into a leading energy logistics hub.

**News Article:**

**India Celebrates Arrival of First VLGC, Boosting Maritime Ambitions**

**Visakhapatnam, October 7, 2025:** The nation marked a significant milestone in its maritime and energy sectors with the ceremonial welcome of the “Shivalik,” India’s first Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC), at Visakhapatnam port on Monday. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal presided over the event, congratulating the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) for inducting the vessel under the Indian flag.

The Shivalik, recently acquired by SCI, represents a major boost to India’s capabilities in transporting and managing Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). Minister Sonowal emphasized that the vessel’s arrival aligns perfectly with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Maritime India Vision 2030 initiatives, aimed at fostering indigenous ownership and global competitiveness in the maritime sector.

“This is a proud moment for India, showcasing our growing strength in global shipping and energy trade,” Minister Sonowal stated. He also praised the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) for its efficient handling of the Shivalik’s inaugural LPG consignment.

During the event, Minister Sonowal announced that the central government will support the Andhra Pradesh government’s initiative to develop a shipbuilding center at Dugarajapatnam. He expressed confidence that India will become one of the top ten shipbuilding nations by 2030 and among the top five by 2047.

Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to ensuring door-to-door gas delivery across India, underscoring the Shivalik’s role in achieving universal energy accessibility.

VPA Chairman Angamuthu pledged the port’s full support to SCI’s progressive initiative and assured collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh state government to transform Visakhapatnam into a leading energy logistics hub on the eastern coast. The arrival of the Shivalik signifies a crucial step towards India’s ambition of becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive maritime power.

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