India-Flagged LPG Tanker Successfully Transits Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions
New Delhi – The Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, Green Sanvi, has successfully navigated east of the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant milestone as the seventh Indian vessel to do so since the onset of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Ship tracking data confirms that the tanker utilized a designated corridor through Iran’s territorial waters to traverse this strategically vital waterway, which is crucial for global energy supply.
Green Sanvi is estimated to be transporting approximately 44,000 tonnes of LPG, a volume that represents about half a day’s LPG consumption for India. Industry experts anticipate that two additional India-flagged LPG tankers, Green Asha and Jag Vikram, are expected to follow suit and transit the Strait in the coming days. This successful passage underscores India’s commitment to maintaining its energy supply lines despite the geopolitical challenges in the region.
Diplomatic Engagements Ensure Safe Passage for Indian Vessels
The successful transit of Green Sanvi is part of a broader effort by India to ensure the safety of its merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, there are 17 India-flagged ships operating in the Persian Gulf region, east of the Strait. This fleet includes three additional LPG tankers, four crude oil tankers, one liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, one chemical products tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers, and two vessels undergoing routine maintenance.
India has been actively engaging with Iranian authorities to facilitate the safe passage of its vessels through the Strait. Iran has clarified that non-hostile vessels from countries other than the United States, Israel, and their allies can transit the strait with proper coordination. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the waterway remains operational for nations considered friendly, allowing vessels from China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan to navigate through this critical chokepoint.
Stranded Vessels in the Persian Gulf: A Growing Concern for India
During its transit, Green Sanvi signaled its Indian identity and that of its crew, a practice that has become standard for vessels coordinating with Iranian authorities. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a vital maritime route for global energy flows. Ensuring safe navigation for commercial ships is increasingly important amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
The successful passage of Green Sanvi not only highlights India’s strategic efforts to secure its energy supply lines but also emphasizes the importance of coordinated diplomacy and maritime safety measures in maintaining uninterrupted trade flows in a challenging environment.
