Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) Kandla reported a landmark maritime operation on March 23, 2026, when it conducted the first triple banking ship-to-ship operation at a strong tidal port. A Capesize vessel discharged 117,000 tonne (t) to a transhipment vessel, followed by a tandem transfer of 77,000 t onto a Panamax vessel, marking a first for such challenging conditions. The authority characterised the manoeuvre as a seamless, high precision operation that demonstrated enhanced operational capability.

The port authority said it had prepared to manage an anticipated surge in vessel traffic and was configured to handle 22 vessels in the next 72 hours. Systems and processes were reported to be operating efficiently to accommodate reconfigured voyages and to provide services at high standards. The triple banking operation was described as requiring close coordination between pilots, tugs and terminal handlers to mitigate tidal risk.

Among the ships expected at Kandla was the Thai flagged vessel Mayuree Naree, which had reportedly been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11 and was among vessels likely to be carrying crude to India. Separate tracking data indicated that a Liberia flagged Suezmax tanker, Shenlong, had reached Mumbai Port after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, having loaded crude at Ras Tanura on March 1 and departed on March 3. Maritime tracking showed the tanker in the strait on March 8 and noted a temporary cessation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions before the vessel reappeared on tracking systems on March 9. The authority emphasised that such movements underscored the need for robust port handling and maritime situational awareness.

The operation has been presented as a demonstration of the port's capacity to execute complex transfers in strong tidal conditions and to sustain higher throughput during periods of intensified shipping activity. The authority indicated that continued monitoring and coordination with stakeholders would remain a priority to ensure safety and operational continuity. The achievement is expected to bolster confidence among shippers and to contribute to smoother transhipment and crude import logistics for the region.