Krishnapatnam Port Completes Double Banking Operation

Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL) achieved a significant operational milestone on May 25, 2026, by successfully executing a complex double banking operation in the SPSR Nellore district. The procedure involved MT AU Libra berthing alongside MT Spica to facilitate the simultaneous discharge of edible oil cargo. This specialized maritime maneuver highlights the port's growing infrastructure capabilities and efficiency in managing liquid bulk logistics, setting a new benchmark for Indian port operations and vessel turnaround times in the region.

Double banking operations require strict adherence to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines, specifically those outlined in the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the OCIMF Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals, and Liquefied Gases. Compliance departments must ensure that all mooring arrangements, fender deployments, and emergency release systems meet the rigorous standards set by classification societies. By aligning with SOLAS Chapter V requirements regarding safety of navigation and communication, AKPL ensures that these high-risk transfers maintain structural integrity and environmental safety protocols throughout the entire cargo discharge process.

For masters and navigating officers, this operation necessitates precise bridge resource management and enhanced communication protocols during the approach and mooring phases. Navigating officers must be fully versed in the specific risk assessment procedures required for side-by-side berthing. Masters are responsible for verifying that all crew members involved in the mooring operations are briefed on the unique stresses placed on the hull, ensuring that safety margins remain within the prescribed operational limits during the entire transfer duration.