Sri Vijaya Puram | March 12, 2026
Shipping operations between mainland India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are set to receive a boost with the induction of a new cargo vessel, APJ Karan 2, which is scheduled to make its maiden voyage from Kolkata to Sri Vijaya Puram later this month.
The vessel has been acquired by Apeejay Shipping, a part of the Apeejay Surendra Group, to introduce a dedicated scheduled service connecting Kolkata with Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair).
With a carrying capacity of 3,000 tonnes, the multi-purpose container vessel is equipped with two cranes of 60-tonne capacity each, enabling it to handle containerised cargo, bulk shipments, and project cargo.
According to the company, the vessel is expected to commence its maiden voyage in mid-March 2026, after which it will operate regular scheduled departures on the Kolkata–Sri Vijaya Puram route. The service is expected to strengthen maritime connectivity and enhance logistics infrastructure for the islands, supporting trade and ongoing development activities.
The development comes as part of the company’s broader fleet expansion. Apeejay Shipping had recently inducted two Kamsarmax bulk carriers — APJ Priya 2 and APJ Priti 2 — during July and August 2025 as part of its fleet modernisation efforts to support coastal shipping under the Government of India’s Sagarmala Initiative.
Operations in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be coordinated by Ebrahim Jadwet of the Y.E. Jadwet Group, who will act as the local associate for the service. The collaboration is expected to improve supply chain reliability for businesses and infrastructure projects across the islands.
Industry observers believe that the introduction of the new service could help streamline cargo movement between the mainland and the islands, ensuring more efficient transportation of goods and materials essential for local commerce and development.
