The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) accepted delivery of m.v. SCI Urja, a 120-tonne Bollard Pull capacity Anchor Handling, Towing and Supply (AHTS) vessel.

It was the last of two similar capacity AHTS vessels ordered by SCI with Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The first vessel, SCI Ahimsa, was delivered in August last year. Orders for these vessels were placed in June 2009. With this latest delivery, SCI continues its foray into the larger capacity offshore services sector, stressed an official release.

SCI Urja has gross tonnage of 2,067 tonnes and deadweight of 2,002.68 tonnes. The vessel has been classed with IRS, is equipped with Dynamic Positioning-I (DP-I) system, Reverse Osmosis Plant, fire-fighting (FIFI) equipment and UKOOA (C) compliance. It has been built to comply with the latest and most stringent international regulations and will be able to offer the essential support and services for the growth of the Indian offshore industry, the release said.

SCI presently has a fleet of 15 vessels in the offshore sector, of which 7 were acquired during the eighties. As a national carrier, it has been taking steps to increase its presence in the country's offshore sector. The services of these vessels would be crucial to E&P operators in the sector, the release emphasised, and would also facilitate SCI establishing itself as a major E&P logistics service provider.

With the addition of this vessel, the company's fleet strength stands at 80, totalling 5.91 million DWT, in line with its strategy of maintaining a modern and young fleet. It has 16 vessels on order at present at various shipyards, the release disclosed.