The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) accepted delivery of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC),Desh Vibhor.

The vessel, ordered with Chinese firm Jiangsu Rongsheng Heavy Industries Co. Ltd in November 2010, has gross tonnage of 165,319 tonnes and deadweight of 316,634 tonnes at scantling draught. It has been classed with IRS and LRS, and has been built to comply with the latest international regulations, highlighted a release.

With India dependent on the import of crude oil, tankers under the Indian flag provide vital energy security to the country. In times of international crisis, it is all the more important to maintain a secured supply line to bring energy into the country. Therefore, enhancing the tanker fleet will ensure uninterrupted transport of essential cargoes such as crude oil and petroleum products, thereby ensuring energy security. Energy transportation has been the core business segment for SCI and the induction of this vessel will strengthen its position in this sector, the release pointed out.

Acquisition of Desh Vibhor is in line with SCI's strategy of maintaining a modern and young fleet, which now comprises 69 vessels of 3.29 million GT and 5.89 million DWT, the release emphasised.