Indian Tanker Jag Laadki Safely Departed Amid Regional Tensions
On March 15, 2026, the Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Jag Laadki successfully set sail from Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after a recent attack on the oil terminal there. The tanker, which was loading approximately 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil, departed safely for India on Sunday morning. The Indian government confirmed that both the vessel and its crew of Indian seafarers are unharmed. Owned and operated by Mumbai-based Great Eastern Shipping Company, Jag Laadki was built in 2010 and has been actively involved in transporting oil in the region.
The attack on the Fujairah oil terminal underscores the ongoing risks to maritime safety in the region, particularly as tensions escalate due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. While the Fujairah port is strategically located outside the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and gas flows—this incident raises concerns about the safety of merchant vessels operating in nearby waters. The Strait of Hormuz is vital for international energy supplies, with about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passing through this narrow waterway.
Impact of Regional Conflict on Maritime Operations
The conflict in West Asia has significantly disrupted vessel movements, particularly affecting oil and gas shipments. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is crucial for transporting oil from major exporters like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. India relies heavily on this route for its energy imports, with approximately 2.5 to 2.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil transiting through the Strait, accounting for nearly half of the country’s total oil imports.
Jag Laadki is the fourth Indian-flagged vessel to navigate the region since the conflict escalated on February 28. Prior to its departure, two LPG tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, heading towards ports in Gujarat. Earlier in the week, another tanker, Jag Prakash, transported gasoline from Oman to Tanzania. The Indian government is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe passage of its vessels, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar communicating with their Iranian counterparts to prioritize the unhindered transit of goods and energy.
Currently, there are 22 Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf, including six LPG tankers, four crude oil tankers, and one LNG carrier, all carrying energy cargoes. The Indian government has assured that all 611 seafarers aboard these vessels are safe. The Ministry of Shipping is coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers while maintaining maritime trade continuity.
