Stranded Vessels in the Persian Gulf: A Growing Concern for India
India is facing a significant maritime challenge as numerous vessels, both flagged under its own banner and foreign flags, remain stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian government has confirmed that at least ten foreign-flagged energy tankers, carrying crucial oil and gas supplies intended for India, are currently unable to navigate through this vital maritime chokepoint. As of now, 18 India-flagged vessels are anchored west of the strait, with half of them being energy tankers loaded with supplies meant for the Indian market. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of the Shipping Ministry, emphasized that the government’s top priority is ensuring the safety and return of these India-flagged vessels.
Among the stranded vessels, the foreign-flagged energy tankers include three carrying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), four transporting crude oil, and three carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG). The India-flagged fleet consists of four LPG tankers, four crude oil tankers, one LNG tanker, one chemical products tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers, and two vessels undergoing routine maintenance. In total, there are 485 Indian seafarers aboard these ships. The ongoing conflict in the region has led to a significant number of vessels from various countries being stranded, with only a few managing to safely transit the strait, which typically facilitates about one-fifth of global oil and LNG flows.
Efforts to Ensure Safe Passage
In recent weeks, six India-flagged LPG tankers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, with four already reaching Indian ports to discharge their cargoes. Two additional tankers, BW TYR and BW ELM, are currently en route to India, carrying approximately 94,000 tonnes of LPG—equivalent to just over a day’s worth of India’s pre-war consumption. However, the overall consumption of LPG has decreased due to reduced usage by commercial establishments and industries, largely stemming from disruptions in LPG imports.
US to Ensure Energy Flow in Persian Gulf Amid Rising Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial for India’s energy security, with around 40% of its crude oil imports, over 50% of its LNG imports, and a staggering 90% of its LPG imports passing through this chokepoint. Given that India’s annual LPG consumption exceeds 33 million tonnes, with a 60% import dependency, the closure of the strait poses a significant risk to the nation’s energy supply. The Indian government is currently engaged in diplomatic discussions with Iran to facilitate the safe passage of Indian vessels through the strait. Iran has indicated that non-hostile vessels from countries other than the United States and its allies may transit the strait under coordination with Iranian authorities.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there are indications that Iran is selectively allowing some vessels to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports suggest that Iran is regulating maritime traffic based on negotiations with various governments, leading to unusual routes taken by vessels recently transiting the strait. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that navigation in the strait continues, provided vessels comply with necessary safety measures amid the wartime situation. The Iranian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of navigation in the region while emphasizing the importance of respecting its rights and interests.
