An offshore terminal at Vadinar has been developed to reduce pressure from which of the following major ports in India?

The correct answer is Kandla Port.

Key Points

• The offshore terminal at Vadinar has been developed to reduce the operational pressure on Kandla Port, which is one of the busiest ports in India.
• Kandla Port, also known as Deendayal Port, is located in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat and is a key hub for handling crude oil and petroleum products.
• The Vadinar terminal primarily focuses on handling crude oil and petroleum products to meet the increasing demands of refineries and industries in the region.
• The terminal has modern facilities like Single Point Mooring (SPM) systems, which facilitate large oil tankers to unload crude oil efficiently.
• By diverting specific operations to Vadinar, Kandla Port has been able to focus on other cargo types and optimize its overall efficiency.

Additional Information

• Kandla Port (Deendayal Port)
  • It was commissioned in 1950 and is one of the major ports in India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
  • The port handles a variety of cargo, including petroleum products, chemicals, grains, and fertilizers.
  • It is strategically located near the Middle East oil-exporting countries, making it an important hub for crude oil imports.
• Vadinar Offshore Terminal
  • Vadinar is home to one of the largest oil refineries in India, operated by Nayara Energy (formerly Essar Oil).
  • The terminal is equipped to handle Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and supports the operations of nearby refineries.
  • It is designed to enhance the efficiency of crude oil transportation and reduce turnaround time for tankers.
• Gulf of Kutch
  • It is a vital maritime region on the western coast of India, hosting several ports like Kandla, Mundra, and Pipavav.
  • The region is known for its rich biodiversity and marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangroves.
• Single Point Mooring (SPM) System
  • An SPM system is a floating buoy or jetty anchored offshore, used for loading and unloading liquid cargo like crude oil.
  • It allows large tankers to operate without entering the port, reducing congestion and operational delays.