Indian LPG Tankers Safely Navigate Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
New Delhi: Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, carrying a day’s supply of cooking gas for India. The vessels departed from the Persian Gulf on Monday morning and are expected to reach Indian shores within the next two days. This transit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, particularly following recent conflicts involving Iran.
According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the two tankers are transporting approximately 92,000 tonnes of LPG. While he did not disclose the final destination, he noted that the typical transit time from the Gulf to India is between two to two-and-a-half days. The tankers navigated through waters between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands, likely to clarify their identity to Iranian authorities before crossing the strait.
The successful passage of Pine Gas and Jag Vasant marks a significant development, as they were among 22 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict, which has nearly closed the vital Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway is crucial for the transportation of oil and gas from Gulf countries to global markets.
Indian LPG Tankers Safely Navigate Conflict Zone Amid Ongoing Tensions
Efforts to Ensure Safe Passage for Stranded Vessels
Prior to the successful crossing of the two tankers, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi had also reached Indian ports, carrying a combined total of approximately 92,712 tonnes of LPG. Shivalik docked at Mundra in Gujarat on March 16, while Nanda Devi arrived at Kandla port the following day. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has been precarious since the outbreak of hostilities in the region, which began after US-Israel attacks on Iran.
Initially, 28 Indian-flagged vessels were present in the strait when the conflict escalated. As of now, 24 remain in the war zone, with 22 on the west side and two on the east side of the strait. Recent reports indicate that 11 sailors have returned to India, reducing the number of seafarers onboard these vessels to 600. The stranded ships include various types, such as LPG carriers, crude oil tankers, and container ships.
Sinha emphasized the government’s commitment to securing safe passage for all stranded vessels, stating that the well-being of seafarers remains a top priority. He reassured that there are no shortages of food or drinking water for the crew members aboard the Indian vessels. The ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly 500 tanker vessels being confined within the Persian Gulf, including a significant number of crude oil and LPG carriers.
Analysts suggest that Iran may be allowing select vessels to transit the strait after verification processes, which include confirming vessel ownership and cargo. This careful navigation is crucial, as India relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, with approximately 88% of its crude oil and significant portions of its LPG and natural gas coming through the Strait of Hormuz.
