SCI acquires two largest cellular container vessels

New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) today acquired two largest cellular container vessels under the Indian Flag, from Korea.

The two vessels, each with a capcity of 4,400 TEUs each, were named SCI Chennai and SCI Mumbai.

Both were built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI), Korea.

Yesterday, SCI acquired a Very Large Crude Carrier, the first of its kind, with 3,19,000 DWT capacity built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME). It was named 'M T Desh Viraat'.

At the naming ceremony in Korea today, Shipping Minister T R Baalu said the delivery of the two container vessels would help SCI in consolidating its position in the containerised segment and rendering better service to India's Exim trade.

He said the vessels, which would be the two largest cellular vessels under the Indian flag, aptly represented the significance of the two port cities-- Mumbai and Chennai-- as these two ports catered to nearly 80 per cent of India's container trade.

He said HSHI should continue to be a partner in the fleet expansion plans of SCI and other Indian Ship-owners.

UNI YJ MP NS1543