BAN ON SINGLE HULL SHIPS OF SCI

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RAJYA SABHA

Entry of single hull ships over 20 years of age have been banned by some European countries from carrying heavy crude and fuel oil in their ports which was not expected to affect the Shipping Corporation of India tanker fleet as its single hull tankers do not call at European Union ports. This was stated by Shri Dilipkumar Mansukhlal Gandhi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Shipping in a written reply to the question of Shri Rama Muni Reddy Sirigireddy in Rajya Sabha today. He further informed the House that the restriction on single hull ships was for tankers only. Shipping Corporation of India has only 23 nos. of single hull crude oil tankers and only 9 nos. of single hull product tankers.

In reply to another question the Minister said the Shipping Corporation of India has been proactive in its tonnage replacement plans and all new tankers acquired after 1994 were double hull tankers. The future acquisition would be double hull tankers in its fleet which would also comply with the IMO guidelines to maintain its competitive position in the shipping industry.