October 13, 2026: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has launched a new barge, MT IRIS, to strengthen petroleum transportation to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while the administration is exploring the deployment of four additional vessels, expanded LPG storage capacity and new distributors to improve the reliability of essential fuel supplies across the archipelago.

Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma inaugurated MT IRIS at Sri Vijaya Puram on Sunday and flagged it off for operations. The vessel is expected to improve the transportation of petroleum products to the remote islands by enabling bulk movement instead of barrel-based transportation, reducing manual handling and associated safety risks.

The deployment is intended to strengthen the Islands’ energy security by supporting safer and more reliable fuel transportation, including under challenging weather conditions. Given the territory’s geographical spread and dependence on maritime logistics, the uninterrupted movement of petroleum products remains critical to households, transportation and essential services.

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Indian Oil on the initiative and said the new barge would contribute to a more dependable fuel supply system for the remote islands. He also extended his wishes to the crew for safe and successful voyages.

Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), Indian Oil Executive Director Jitendra Kumar, other officials and members of the public attended the inauguration.

(Source: The Wave Andaman)