Kandla Port Prioritizes LPG Ship Berthing Following Central Government Directive
Synopsis
In a strategic move to ensure the continuous supply of cooking gas, Kandla's Deendayal Port Authority has prioritized the berthing of LPG vessels. This decision follows directives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways amid rising tensions affecting maritime routes.
Key Takeaways
Kandla Port prioritizes LPG vessels for efficient gas supply.
Move initiated by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways .
Ensures uninterrupted cooking gas delivery to households.
Two Indian-flagged carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi , are en route.
Significant for maintaining energy supplies amid global tensions.
Kutch, March 16 (NationPress) The Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla has announced that all vessels transporting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) arriving at the port will receive priority berthing, as per the directives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This initiative aims to ensure the uninterrupted supply of cooking gas to households nationwide.
In a circular released on Monday, the port authority notified vessel agents that the ministry had instructed ports to prioritize the berthing of LPG-carrying ships in a communication dated March 10.
This directive is intended to maintain the smooth distribution of domestic LPG.
Vessel agents are also instructed to disseminate this information to their principals and other stakeholders to facilitate seamless coordination and avoid any disruptions during port operations.
This decision follows recent disruptions in maritime energy routes due to rising tensions in West Asia, particularly around the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for a substantial portion of global oil and gas shipments.
Recently, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and are heading towards Indian ports with LPG cargo designated for domestic use.
Both vessels are part of the Shipping Corporation of India's fleet and represent some of the country's largest gas carriers used for transporting liquefied petroleum gas from the Middle East to India.
The carrier Shivalik, which was registered under the Indian flag in 2025, is a Very Large Gas Carrier capable of transporting tens of thousands of tonnes of LPG in a single voyage.
Shivalik successfully docked at Mundra Port around 5 p.m. on Monday.
Nanda Devi is anticipated to reach Kandla Port on Tuesday. Officials noted that the two vessels are transporting a combined total of approximately 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG.
Government representatives emphasized the importance of these ships' transit for sustaining energy supplies, as India heavily depends on LPG imports from the Gulf region.
Point of View
The decision by the Deendayal Port Authority to prioritize LPG vessel berthing is a proactive measure that underscores India's commitment to ensuring energy security amidst global challenges. It reflects a strategic response to potential disruptions in supply chains crucial for the domestic market.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the priority berthing for LPG vessels at Kandla Port?
The priority berthing for LPG vessels at Kandla Port was initiated following directives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to ensure a continuous supply of cooking gas to households across India.
How many LPG vessels are currently en route to Indian ports?
Currently, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are en route to Indian ports with a combined cargo of approximately 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz in this context?
The Strait of Hormuz is a critically important maritime route through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments pass, and recent tensions in this region have raised concerns about supply disruptions.
What measures are vessel agents being asked to take?
Vessel agents are asked to share the information regarding priority berthing with their principals and other stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination during port operations.
When is Nanda Devi expected to arrive at Kandla Port?
Nanda Devi is expected to arrive at Kandla Port on Tuesday.
