The Specialized Vessels Cell (SVC) is part of the Bulk Carrier & Tanker Division and deals with the operation and management of two Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers and one Chemical carrier, which are wholly owned by the SCI.
In addition, the SVC also deals with the operation and management of two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Tankers, which are owned by joint venture companies in which the SCI has a sizeable share.
The LPG Tankers are of a capacity of 17,601 DWT while the Chemical Tanker is 33,058 DWT each. The two LNG Tankers S. S. Disha and S. S. Rahi, have a cargo capacity of about 138,000 cubic meters each. The third LNG Tanker, S. S. Aseem with a capacity about 155000 cubic meters, was delivered in November, 2009.
The Chemical Tanker is presently deployed on spot charters for transportation of phosphoric acid. Charterers for the LPG carriers in the recent past include: Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Petronas MITCO. They are currently deployed on time charter to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. The LNG Tankers are on long term time charter to Petronet LNG Ltd.
The SVC looks after the Technical and Commercial management of Tankers as per the COA for Chemical Tankers, and as per the time/voyage charter for the LPG Tankers. Technical management activity involves regular planned maintenance of ships in line with international statutory regulations, periodic dry-docking and running repairs of the Tankers. Commercial activity includes coordination with agents for smooth transit of ships to various ports of call, payment of port and other dues, arranging for ships bunker (fuel), timely raising of debit notes and following up with the customers for prompt payment.
Clients/users of SVC services expect the SCI to fulfill its obligation to lift the nominated quantity of Phosphoric Acid/LPG/LNG as specified in COA/other agreements, and deliver nominated quantities to designated ports in line with the specified schedule.
Clients also expect delivered cargo to be correct in specifications as stated in the Bills of Lading, without contamination or degradation of cargo. Delivery of specified cargoes in the right quantity and quality from and to the designated ports, safely and on time, each time is another customer expectation.