Adani Ports’ Mundra Handles Nation’s First Fully Laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)

New Delhi : In a landmark achievement for India’s maritime and energy infrastructure, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) announced today the berthing of India’s first-ever fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) at Mundra Port. The vessel, Mt New Renown, with a total cargo capacity of 3.3 lakh m³, marks Mundra as the first port in India capable of handling fully laden VLCCs at berth.

This milestone highlights Mundra’s distinction as the first port in the country—and one of the few globally—with a dedicated jetty designed for direct berthing of fully laden VLCCs. The berthing of Mt New Renown was successfully executed under challenging conditions, including strong currents, high winds, and rough sea states, showcasing the expertise, coordination, and operational excellence of APSEZ’s marine and port management teams.

A Landmark in India’s Maritime History
The VLCC jetty enables berthing of fully loaded vessels at maximum displacement, signaling a transformational shift in India’s crude oil logistics. Direct jetty operations allow safer, faster, and more cost-efficient crude handling, reinforcing APSEZ’s leadership in developing world-class, future-ready port infrastructure aligned with India’s growing energy and trade requirements.

Rare Global Capability
Direct jetty berthing for fully laden VLCCs is available at only a limited number of ports worldwide due to extreme draft and displacement requirements. With this achievement, Mundra Port joins a select group of global crude handling hubs, strengthening India’s position on the international maritime and energy map. This advanced capability also reduces reliance on offshore Single Point Moorings (SPMs) or lightering operations previously used for such large vessels.

Strategic Energy and Economic Impact
The Mundra VLCC jetty is connected via a ~489 km crude pipeline to the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery at Barmer, one of India’s most strategic refining assets. This direct connectivity enhances:

India’s energy security

Efficiency of large-scale crude imports

Supply chain resilience

Regional economic growth across Gujarat and Rajasthan

India’s First-of-Its-Kind VLCC Jetty
The purpose-built jetty represents a pioneering engineering and operational feat:

Jetty Length: 400 m

Berth Pocket Depth: 25 m

Maximum LOA: 333 m

Maximum Displacement: 3,60,000 MT

Maximum Draft: 21.6 m

Cargo Handling:

2 × 20-inch crude oil loading arms

Maximum discharge rate: 10,000–12,000 m³ per hour

Marine Infrastructure:

4 breasting dolphins

6 mooring dolphins with high-capacity hooks (up to 150 tons SWL each)

Advanced fender systems for ultra-large vessels

Mundra Port: India’s Infrastructure Powerhouse
Mundra, APSEZ’s flagship and India’s largest commercial port, is strategically located in the Gulf of Kutch and serves as a critical maritime gateway for northern and western India. The deep-water, all-weather port features:

27 operational berths and 2 Single Point Moorings (SPMs)

Capability to handle dry bulk, break-bulk, project cargo, liquids, containers, automobiles, and crude oil

Accommodation for Cape-size vessels, VLCCs, Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs), and Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)

Mundra is also India’s largest container-handling port, with the highest container, import coal, and overall commercial cargo capacities. In 2024-25, Mundra became the first port in India to handle over 200 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo in a single year, cementing its unmatched scale and operational leadership.

Global Recognition
Mundra Port has been recognized in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) for 2024 and 2025, reflecting its efficiency, reliability, and adherence to international best practices.

This milestone positions Mundra Port as a world-class hub for crude handling, strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and energy security.