Deendayal Port Kandla Conducts First Triple Banking STS Operation

26 Mar 2026 CW Team

The transfer required precise coordination between the port authority, ship masters, harbour tugs and shore services to manage tidal currents and berthing dynamics. Port systems and operational protocols were adapted to accommodate simultaneous transfers and to mitigate risks associated with a strong tidal regime. The successful completion is expected to inform best practice for future complex at-sea cargo handling at similar locations.

DPA Kandla had earlier indicated preparations to handle a surge in incoming traffic and planned to accommodate 22 vessels within a 72 hour window, reflecting reconfigured voyages in the region. Among those reported to be due at Kandla was the Thai flagged vessel Mayuree Naree, which had been the subject of an attack in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11 and is believed to be carrying crude to India. The movement of tankers through the strait has gained attention after a Liberia flagged tanker, Shenlong Suezmax, was tracked as the first India bound vessel to pass through the area since the recent Iran US hostilities.

Maritime tracking data indicated that the Shenlong temporarily ceased broadcasting its Automatic Identification System transponder while navigating the high risk stretch before restoring signals, an action that is noted by authorities given the transponder's role in broadcasting identity and position. DPA Kandla stated that systems were working efficiently to provide services and that the triple banking operation demonstrated the port's capacity to handle high volume and complex transfers. The authority has framed the achievement as evidence of enhanced operational resilience and readiness to manage surges in vessel traffic.

Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla (DPA Kandla) has carried out the first ever triple banking ship-to-ship operation at a strong tidal port, marking a milestone for Indian maritime logistics. A Capesize vessel discharged 117,000 tonnes (t) to a transhipment vessel, followed by a tandem transfer of 77,000 t onto a Panamax vessel in a single coordinated sequence. The operation was conducted under controlled conditions and is being presented by the authority as the first such manoeuvre at a port with pronounced tidal movement. The transfer required precise coordination between the port authority, ship masters, harbour tugs and shore services to manage tidal currents and berthing dynamics. Port systems and operational protocols were adapted to accommodate simultaneous transfers and to mitigate risks associated with a strong tidal regime. The successful completion is expected to inform best practice for future complex at-sea cargo handling at similar locations. DPA Kandla had earlier indicated preparations to handle a surge in incoming traffic and planned to accommodate 22 vessels within a 72 hour window, reflecting reconfigured voyages in the region. Among those reported to be due at Kandla was the Thai flagged vessel Mayuree Naree, which had been the subject of an attack in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11 and is believed to be carrying crude to India. The movement of tankers through the strait has gained attention after a Liberia flagged tanker, Shenlong Suezmax, was tracked as the first India bound vessel to pass through the area since the recent Iran US hostilities. Maritime tracking data indicated that the Shenlong temporarily ceased broadcasting its Automatic Identification System transponder while navigating the high risk stretch before restoring signals, an action that is noted by authorities given the transponder's role in broadcasting identity and position. DPA Kandla stated that systems were working efficiently to provide services and that the triple banking operation demonstrated the port's capacity to handle high volume and complex transfers. The authority has framed the achievement as evidence of enhanced operational resilience and readiness to manage surges in vessel traffic.

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