Visakhapatnam emerges key crude hub amid global turmoil

Visakhapatnam Port Authority has reinforced its role as a vital energy gateway on India’s eastern seaboard, handling about 1.43 million metric tonnes of crude oil between March 1 and early April.

According to vessel movement data available up to March 26, as many as 13 high-capacity motor tanker vessels have been deployed to maintain a steady supply of crude to regional refineries, despite disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis.

A major share of imports came from Iraq and Russia. Iraq’s contribution stood out, with the Very Large Crude Carrier MT Desh Vishal making two calls from Basrah and delivering a combined 3.16 lakh tonnes. Russian shipments formed another key component, with vessels MT Velora, MT Centurion I, and the incoming MT Jumbo and MT Fondeya together accounting for over 4.7 lakh tonnes.

Domestic coastal movement also remained significant, with nearly 4.45 lakh tonnes transported from ports such as Mundra, Mumbai, and Kakinada. Tankers including MT Swarna Brahmaputra and MT Swarna Ganga played a key role, while MT Desh Gaurav is expected to arrive on April 5.

A senior port official said discharge operations involving 1 lakh tonnes from MT Centurion I are currently underway, while preparations are in place to handle MT Jumbo, which is carrying 1,36,728 tonnes from Russia, under top-priority protocols.

Officials noted that the coordinated handling of international imports and domestic transshipments is crucial to sustaining energy supply chains amid maritime uncertainty. The smooth management of these vessels further strengthens Visakhapatnam’s position as a leading crude-handling hub in the country.