Adani Ports' Mundra Becomes First Indian Port to Berth Fully Laden Very Large Crude Carrier
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd's Mundra Port achieved a historic first by berthing India's inaugural fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier, Mt New Renown, with 3.3 lakh cubic metre capacity. The milestone positions Mundra among select global ports capable of direct VLCC jetty operations, featuring advanced infrastructure with 400-metre jetty length, 25-metre depth, and 10,000-12,000 cubic metre per hour discharge capacity. Connected via 489-kilometre pipeline to HPCL Rajasthan Refinery, this achievement significantly enhances India's energy security and crude oil logistics capabilities.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd has achieved a landmark milestone in India's maritime infrastructure as its Mundra Port became the first facility in the country to successfully berth a fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). The historic berthing of Mt New Renown, with a total cargo capacity of 3.3 lakh cubic metres, marks a transformational moment for India's crude oil logistics and energy security.
Historic Achievement in Challenging Conditions
The berthing operation was executed under demanding maritime conditions, including strong currents, winds, and challenging sea states. This successful operation demonstrated the expertise and operational excellence of the marine team and port management at Mundra. The achievement represents years of strategic planning and infrastructure development to create India's first dedicated VLCC-capable jetty.
| Vessel Details: | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name: | Mt New Renown |
| Cargo Capacity: | 3.3 lakh cubic metres |
| Operation Type: | Fully laden VLCC berthing |
| Port Facility: | Mundra Port, Gujarat |
Global Maritime Significance
Direct jetty berthing of fully laden VLCCs is available at only a limited number of ports worldwide due to the extreme draft, displacement, and infrastructure requirements of these massive vessels. With this achievement, Mundra Port joins an exclusive group of global crude handling hubs, significantly strengthening India's position in the international maritime and energy landscape. The facility eliminates India's dependency on offshore Single Point Moorings or lightering operations traditionally required for such large vessels.
Advanced Infrastructure Specifications
The purpose-built VLCC jetty at Mundra represents a pioneering engineering achievement designed to handle the world's largest crude carriers. The facility incorporates state-of-the-art marine infrastructure and cargo handling systems specifically engineered for ultra-large vessel operations.
| Infrastructure Parameter: | Specification |
|---|---|
| Jetty Length: | 400 metres |
| Berth Pocket Depth: | 25 metres |
| Maximum Acceptable LOA: | 333 metres |
| Maximum Displacement: | 3,60,000 MT |
| Maximum Draft: | 21.6 metres |
| Crude Oil Loading Arms: | 2 × 20-inch systems |
| Maximum Discharge Rate: | 10,000–12,000 m³ per hour |
| Breasting Dolphins: | 4 units |
| Mooring Dolphins: | 6 units (150 tons SWL each) |
Strategic Energy Connectivity
Mundra's VLCC jetty is seamlessly connected via a 489-kilometre crude oil pipeline to the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery at Barmer, one of India's most strategic refining assets. This direct connectivity significantly enhances India's energy security, improves the efficiency of large-scale crude imports, strengthens supply chain resilience, and promotes regional economic growth across Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Mundra Port's Comprehensive Capabilities
As India's largest commercial port, Mundra serves as a critical maritime gateway strategically located in the Gulf of Kutch. The deep-water, all-weather facility operates 27 berths and 2 Single Point Moorings, handling diverse cargo types including dry bulk, break-bulk, project cargo, liquids, containers, automobiles, and crude oil. The port accommodates Cape size vessels, VLCCs, Ultra Large Crude Carriers, and ultra-large container vessels.
| Port Achievement: | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Cargo Milestone: | Over 200 million tonnes in 2024-25 |
| Container Handling: | India's largest capacity |
| Global Recognition: | World Bank Container Port Performance Index 2024-2025 |
| Operational Status: | First Indian port to achieve 200 MT annual throughput |
This historic achievement reinforces Mundra's position as a world-class, future-ready port infrastructure aligned with India's growing energy and trade requirements, while establishing new benchmarks for maritime operational excellence in the region.




























