Indian Register of Shipping classed tanker ‘MT Elgon’ delivered for operations in Lake Victoria

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a leading international classification society, has announced the successful delivery of the Double Hull Oil Tanker 'MT ELGON' on 16th August 2024. The vessel, built by Mahathi Shipyard Uganda Ltd, under the stringent classification standards of IRS, will commence operations in Lake Victoria, serving the surrounding nations of Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

The 'MT ELGON' is a modern tanker featuring double hull steel construction, and utilises a conventional twin-screw propulsion system, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 10 knots. The vessel is designed with dedicated machinery and pump room spaces to ensure optimal performance during operations and will have a complement of 18 crew members.

The vessel was designed by a Dubai-based design company and built by a skilled Indian workforce and officers in Bugiri Bukkasa, Uganda, marking a significant achievement in international collaboration and engineering excellence.

During the delivery ceremony His Excellency President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa of Uganda praised the support, efforts, and service of the Indian Register of Shipping. He further acknowledged the organisation’s critical role in the successful construction and delivery of the vessel. His words underscored the importance of international partnerships and the positive impact of such collaborations on Uganda’s maritime capabilities.

Saikat Roychowdhury – Operations in Charge, IRS said, "The delivery of 'MT ELGON' underlines our commitment to excellence in ship classification and maritime safety. This project, achieved through the combined efforts of international expertise and local craftsmanship, stands as a testament to the high standards that IRS upholds. We are honoured by President Museveni's recognition of our work, and we look forward to continuing our support in advancing Uganda’s maritime infrastructure."

The successful delivery of the 'MT ELGON' was made possible through seamless project management by IRS’ Visakhapatnam office, suitably aided and guided by the plan approval team at the Head Office. This coordinated effort ensured the second successive delivery of a vessel exceeding 100 meters in length in an African country, overcoming logistical and infrastructure challenges through a planned and systematic approach.