Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) has successfully completed a highly complex triple banking Ship to Ship (STS) operation. This marks the first time such an intricate maritime cargo transfer has been executed at a high tidal port in India.
The logistics operation required bringing a Capesize vessel, a transshipment vessel, and a Panamax vessel alongside each other. During the operation, the Capesize vessel discharged 117,000 tonnes of bulk cargo to the transshipment vessel. Simultaneously, crews executed a tandem transfer of 77,000 tonnes directly onto the Panamax vessel.
Conducting a triple banking STS operation at Kandla poses unique maritime challenges. Marine pilots, port authorities, and vessel crews had to precisely synchronize operations around fluctuating water levels, strong tidal currents, and highly limited maneuvering windows. Real time monitoring and meticulous planning were critical to the safe handling of the bulk cargo.