The state-run Kandla port on India's west coast is gearing up for a possible surge in inbound maritime traffic, with up to 22 vessels expected in the next few days.
This move signals India's hopes for increased arrivals of crude and natural gas amid a near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Deendayal port at Kandla, one of the 12 busiest sea-trading hubs in the country, has been asked to take measures for quicker turnround times, smooth berthing and cargo flows as well as onward transportation.
More arrivals of crude and gas tankers will ease some of the mounting concerns over shortages in the world's second biggest importer of oil.
The country is negotiating with Iran for the safe exit of at least six more tankers hauling cooking gas and some of the traffic could berth at Kandla to avoid congestion elsewhere.
Authorities at the port are optimising operational gears to handle very large crude carriers (VLCCs), gas tankers and 'reconfigured voyages', a reference to re-routed vessels.
