Kandla Port Achieves First Triple STS Operation

Post by : Avinab Raana

Photo : X / @Deendayal_Port

In a breakthrough moment for India’s maritime sector, Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) has successfully executed its first-ever triple banking ship-to-ship (STS) operation at a strong tidal port, an achievement that signals a new level of operational sophistication and global competitiveness. At a time when ports worldwide are under pressure to handle higher cargo volumes with greater efficiency, this milestone places India firmly on the map as a rapidly evolving maritime powerhouse capable of handling complex, high-precision operations.

The operation involved an intricate coordination of three large vessels, a Capesize vessel, a transshipment vessel, and a Panamax vessel—working simultaneously in a tightly managed marine environment. In a seamless sequence, the Capesize vessel discharged approximately 117,000 tonnes of cargo to a transshipment vessel, followed by a tandem transfer of nearly 77,000 tonnes onto a Panamax vessel. What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that it was carried out at a tidal port, where fluctuating water levels, strong currents, and narrow operational windows significantly increase the complexity of such manoeuvres. 

Executing a triple STS operation is not merely about infrastructure, it is about flawless coordination between marine pilots, vessel crews, port authorities, and logistics teams working in perfect synchronisation. Every movement must be timed precisely, with real-time monitoring ensuring that safety and efficiency are never compromised. The success of this operation demonstrates the port’s ability to handle high-risk, high-value cargo transfers while minimising turnaround time, a factor that is becoming increasingly critical in global shipping where delays can disrupt entire supply chains.

This milestone is more than a technical achievement, it represents a shift in how India’s ports are positioning themselves in the global logistics ecosystem. By enabling simultaneous cargo transfer between multiple vessels, the port significantly enhances throughput capacity without requiring additional berthing infrastructure. This not only improves efficiency but also allows ports like Kandla to handle larger volumes of bulk cargo, making them more attractive to international shipping lines looking for reliable and high-capacity transshipment hubs.

The timing of this achievement is particularly significant as global shipping routes continue to face disruptions and rerouting pressures. Ports that can offer flexible, high-efficiency operations are emerging as critical nodes in maintaining supply chain continuity. Deendayal Port’s ability to execute such complex operations reinforces India’s growing role as a dependable alternative hub in times of global uncertainty, capable of absorbing cargo flows and ensuring uninterrupted trade movement.

The successful triple banking STS operation at Kandla is not just a milestone, it is a statement of intent. It reflects how Indian ports are evolving from traditional cargo handling centres into technologically advanced, globally competitive logistics hubs. As maritime trade continues to grow in complexity and scale, such innovations will define the future of port operations, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, capability, and resilience in the years ahead.

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