SCI acquires largest crude oil vessel

New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) today acquired a 3,19,000 DWT vessel, the largest crude-oil vessel under the Indian registry.

The Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) at Okpo Shipyard in Korea, was named 'M T Desh Viraat'.

Viraat is the first of two VLCCs delivered by the Deewoo shipyard to the SCI.

At the naming ceremony in Korea, Shipping Minister T R Baalu said the vessel would be crucial to the nation in the light of immenent crude import, ''It would also strengthen SCI's fleet base, since energy transportation continues to remain the core business segment of SCI,'' he added.

Acknowledging the services provided by the Daewoo Shipyard, the Minister said he would like to have more vessels built at the shipyard.

''The SCI too is pursuing acquisition of a number of vessels in the near future. In case the DSME continues to provide shipbuilding offers to the Indian shipowners and the SCI at competitive prices, I am sure it would be of benefit to both the organisations,'' he said, according to a press release received here.

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