As the ropes tightened and the colossal ship, measuring 249.9 meters in length and 44.05 meters wide, moved closer to Haldia Oil Jetty (HOJ)-3, jubilation filled the air. It marked a historic moment for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, as it welcomed the largest ship in its more than 150-year history.

The MT Clearocean Ajax, a Large Crude Carrier with a capacity of 113,252 tons, had found its way to HOJ-3. On board, it carried an impressive 48,111 tonnes of Naptha, a new record for Haldia Petrochemicals (HPL). This single parcel cargo surpassed all cargo previously handled by SMP, Kolkata, which had stood at 44,088 tonnes from the tanker MT Sanmer Sonnet in 2017.

The MT Clearocean Ajax, a ship of only four years old, sailed proudly under the Monrovian flag and was manned by 22 Georgians, including the master, Mikhail Klimovith. It departed Port Mina al Ahmadia in Kuwait with 82,271 tons of Naptha and first unloaded 34,160 tons in Visakhapatnam before heading north to the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) under SMP, Kolkata.

HDC, located 125 km from the Sandheads, is the hub for lighter operations conducted by SMP, Kolkata, for vessels too large or heavy to navigate the high-draft canal.

"This achievement is truly remarkable," said Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMP, Kolkata. "The MT Clearocean Ajax reached Haldia with a draft of 8.7 meters. We manage and maintain one of the world's longest and most unpredictable navigation channels. Despite these challenges, SMP, Kolkata continues to maintain its crucial role among India's major ports. I congratulate all employees and stakeholders on this milestone. I am confident that it will pave the way for other such vessels to dock at our oil jetties, enabling a smoother supply of the refineries in Aldia."