Indian LPG Tankers Safely Navigate Conflict Zone Amid Ongoing Tensions
A significant development occurred on March 17, 2026, as the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Nanda Devi arrived at Kandla port in Gujarat, following a successful journey from the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz. This arrival comes just a day after another Indian vessel, Shivalik, reached Mundra port. Both tankers collectively transported approximately 92,712 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), enough to meet the daily cooking gas needs of the country. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed the safe arrival of these vessels and reported that all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe.
Safe Passage for Indian Vessels
The two LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, commenced their journey on March 13, successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz early on March 14. Currently, efforts are underway to ensure the safe passage of 22 additional Indian-flagged vessels still stranded in the western Gulf due to the ongoing conflict. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with ship owners, agencies, and Indian missions.
Sinha noted that the two tankers have begun discharging their LPG cargo, with Nanda Devi currently engaged in a ship-to-ship transfer operation. This marks a positive turn in the situation, as it brings the total number of Indian vessels that have safely traversed the war zone to four. The ongoing conflict has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, following military actions involving the US and Israel against Iran.
Ongoing Monitoring and Crew Safety
As of now, 22 Indian-flagged vessels remain in the western Gulf, carrying a total of 611 seafarers. Originally, there were 28 vessels in the region when hostilities began, but the number has since decreased as some ships have successfully navigated the area. Among the remaining vessels, six are LPG carriers, one is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, four are crude oil tankers, and others include container ships and bulk carriers.
Indian Ships Stranded in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a related development, the crude oil tanker Jag Laadki, which departed from the UAE’s Fujairah port, is expected to reach India on the same day, carrying around 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil. All 22 Indian seafarers aboard are reported to be safe. Additionally, another tanker, Jag Prakash, has successfully crossed the strait and is en route to Tanzania.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has been actively engaging with the crews of the LPG tankers, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and coordination in these challenging times. Indian authorities remain in constant communication with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the safe passage of the remaining vessels, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.
