Historic arrival: Largest-ever ship docks at Kolkata's SMP Port
PORTS & SHIPPING

Historic arrival: Largest-ever ship docks at Kolkata's SMP Port

As the ropes tightened and the colossal vessel, measuring 249.9 meters in length and 44.05 meters in width, inched closer to Haldia Oil Jetty (HOJ)-3, jubilation filled the air. It marked a historic moment for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, as it welcomed the largest ship in it’s over 150-year history.

The MT Clearocean Ajax, a Large Crude Carrier boasting a capacity of 113,252 tonnes, had made its way to HOJ-3. On board, it carried an impressive 48,111 tonnes of Naptha, setting a new record for Haldia Petrochemicals (HPL). This single parcel load surpassed any previously handled by SMP, Kolkata, which had stood at 44,088 tonnes back in 2017 from the tanker MT Sanmer Sonnet.

The MT Clearocean Ajax, a vessel merely four years old, proudly flew the Monrovian flag and was crewed by 22 Georgians, including its Master, Mikhail Klimovith. Setting sail from Port Mina al Ahmadia in Kuwait with 82,271 tonnes of Naptha, it first discharged 34,160 tonnes in Visakhapatnam before making its way northward to the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) under SMP, Kolkata.

HDC, situated 125 km from the Sandheads, is the hub for lighterage operations performed by SMP, Kolkata, for vessels too large or heavy to navigate the draught-constrained Hooghly channel.

"This achievement is truly remarkable," declared Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMP, Kolkata. "The MT Clearocean Ajax reached Haldia at a draught of 8.7 meters. We manage and maintain one of the world's longest and most unpredictable navigation channels. Despite these challenges, SMP, Kolkata continues to uphold its crucial role among India's major ports. I extend my congratulations to all employees and stakeholders on this milestone. I am confident that it will pave the way for other such vessels to berth at our oil jetties, facilitating smoother supply to the refineries located in Haldia."

As the ropes tightened and the colossal vessel, measuring 249.9 meters in length and 44.05 meters in width, inched closer to Haldia Oil Jetty (HOJ)-3, jubilation filled the air. It marked a historic moment for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, as it welcomed the largest ship in it’s over 150-year history.The MT Clearocean Ajax, a Large Crude Carrier boasting a capacity of 113,252 tonnes, had made its way to HOJ-3. On board, it carried an impressive 48,111 tonnes of Naptha, setting a new record for Haldia Petrochemicals (HPL). This single parcel load surpassed any previously handled by SMP, Kolkata, which had stood at 44,088 tonnes back in 2017 from the tanker MT Sanmer Sonnet.The MT Clearocean Ajax, a vessel merely four years old, proudly flew the Monrovian flag and was crewed by 22 Georgians, including its Master, Mikhail Klimovith. Setting sail from Port Mina al Ahmadia in Kuwait with 82,271 tonnes of Naptha, it first discharged 34,160 tonnes in Visakhapatnam before making its way northward to the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) under SMP, Kolkata.HDC, situated 125 km from the Sandheads, is the hub for lighterage operations performed by SMP, Kolkata, for vessels too large or heavy to navigate the draught-constrained Hooghly channel.This achievement is truly remarkable, declared Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMP, Kolkata. The MT Clearocean Ajax reached Haldia at a draught of 8.7 meters. We manage and maintain one of the world's longest and most unpredictable navigation channels. Despite these challenges, SMP, Kolkata continues to uphold its crucial role among India's major ports. I extend my congratulations to all employees and stakeholders on this milestone. I am confident that it will pave the way for other such vessels to berth at our oil jetties, facilitating smoother supply to the refineries located in Haldia.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CONCOR Launches Double-stack Service Between NCR and Varnama

State-run Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has launched double-stack container train services between the National Capital Region (NCR) and Varnama near Baroda. This initiative aims to facilitate customers at Nhava Sheva near Mumbai, home to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (J N Port). On December 21, the first double-stack container train from Khatuwas and Dadri in NCR reached CONCOR’s Gati Shakti Multimodal Cargo Terminal (GCT) at Varnama, situated along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The train carried export cargo destined for J N Port, according to a statement from the state..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Less than 10% of Rs 40 Billion State-aid for Shipbuilding Utilised

A government-sanctioned financial assistance program worth Rs 40 billion, intended to support local shipbuilders over a decade starting in April 2016, has seen minimal utilisation, with only Rs 3.85 billion—less than 10 per cent of the total fund—disbursed thus far. With 15 months remaining before the scheme concludes, its uptake has been limited. The financial aid applies to shipbuilding contracts signed between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2026. According to a written response provided by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal to the Rajya Sabha on December ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Civil Aviation Minister Opens New ATC Tower at Indore Airport

The Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, inaugurated the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower-cum-technical block at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. During the inauguration, the minister toured the facility, where ATC experts explained various technical aspects of tracking and coordinating flights from the newly constructed tower. In addition to the ATC tower, the airport has also introduced a zero-waste plant. The union minister confirmed that this initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to sustainability. Minister Ki..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000