Historic arrival: Largest-ever ship docks at Kolkata's SMP Port

18 Sep 2023 CW Team

As the ropes tightened and the colossal vessel, measuring 249.9 meters in length and 44.05 meters in width, inched closer to Haldia Oil Jetty (HOJ)-3, jubilation filled the air. It marked a historic moment for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, as it welcomed the largest ship in it’s over 150-year history.

The MT Clearocean Ajax, a Large Crude Carrier boasting a capacity of 113,252 tonnes, had made its way to HOJ-3. On board, it carried an impressive 48,111 tonnes of Naptha, setting a new record for Haldia Petrochemicals (HPL). This single parcel load surpassed any previously handled by SMP, Kolkata, which had stood at 44,088 tonnes back in 2017 from the tanker MT Sanmer Sonnet.

The MT Clearocean Ajax, a vessel merely four years old, proudly flew the Monrovian flag and was crewed by 22 Georgians, including its Master, Mikhail Klimovith. Setting sail from Port Mina al Ahmadia in Kuwait with 82,271 tonnes of Naptha, it first discharged 34,160 tonnes in Visakhapatnam before making its way northward to the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) under SMP, Kolkata.

HDC, situated 125 km from the Sandheads, is the hub for lighterage operations performed by SMP, Kolkata, for vessels too large or heavy to navigate the draught-constrained Hooghly channel.

"This achievement is truly remarkable," declared Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMP, Kolkata. "The MT Clearocean Ajax reached Haldia at a draught of 8.7 meters. We manage and maintain one of the world's longest and most unpredictable navigation channels. Despite these challenges, SMP, Kolkata continues to uphold its crucial role among India's major ports. I extend my congratulations to all employees and stakeholders on this milestone. I am confident that it will pave the way for other such vessels to berth at our oil jetties, facilitating smoother supply to the refineries located in Haldia."

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