Mediterranean port city of Alexandria
Why in news?
The Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the historic Mediterranean port city of Alexandria on 1 March 2026, as part of a major transoceanic deployment aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and naval diplomacy.
About Alexandria Port city
Alexandria is a major port city in northern Egypt, located on the Mediterranean coast, historically famous for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) and the Library of Alexandria, and today it remains Egypt’s largest seaport. It serves as a vital hub for trade, culture, and tourism, connecting Egypt to Europe and the wider Mediterranean world.
Key Facts About Alexandria, Egypt
- Founded: 331 BCE by Alexander the Great.
- Location: Northern coast of Egypt, west of the Nile Delta.
- Historic Importance:
- Home to the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Site of the Library of Alexandria, a legendary center of knowledge.
- Modern Role:
- Largest port in Egypt, handling millions of tons of cargo annually.
- Operated by the Alexandria Port Authority.
- Size: 16 km² harbour, 22.8 km² land area, with 67 berths.
- Annual cargo tonnage (2012): 17.6 million tons.
- Annual container volume (2012): 1.44 million units.
About INS Sudarshini
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy’s second indigenously built sail training ship, commissioned in 2012, and currently active under the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. In January 2026, she embarked on Lokayan 26, a 10‑month global sailing expedition covering 22,000 nautical miles across 13 countries and 18 ports.
Key Facts about INS Sudarshini
- Type: Three‑masted barque sail training ship.
- Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited.
- Commissioned: 27 January 2012.
- Home Port: Kochi, Kerala (Southern Naval Command).
- Displacement: 513 tons.
- Length: 54 m; Beam: 8.53 m; Draught: 4.5 m.
- Mainmast Height: 34.5 m above waterline.
- Propulsion: 2 Kirloskar Cummins diesel engines (320 hp each) + sails (1,035 m² sail area).
- Complement: 61 personnel.
Role & Significance
- Training Platform: Provides practical sail training for naval cadets and coast guard officers, emphasizing traditional seamanship alongside modern navigation.
- Sister Ship: INS Tarangini (commissioned in 1997).
- Cultural Symbol: “Sudarshini” means beautiful lady Sundari, named after Buddha’s younger half‑sister.
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