An LPG tanker destined for India has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, providing a crucial boost to the nation's energy supply amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Key Points
- An LPG tanker, MT Sarv Shakti, carrying over 46,000 tonnes of LPG, has cleared the Strait of Hormuz en route to India.
- The shipment is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13, providing a temporary boost to India's LPG supply.
- The tanker is the first India-linked vessel to cross the war zone since the US blockade of ships tied to Iran began.
- There are still 14 Indian flagged or India-owned vessels stranded on the west side of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Indian authorities are working to ensure the welfare of seafarers and the smooth operation of port activities.
A tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for India has sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz and is now headed towards the country, an official statement said on Sunday.
The Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier MT Sarv Shakti, loaded with 46,313 tonnes of LPG and staffed by 20 crew, including 18 Indians, cleared the key shipping chokepoint on May 2 and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13, it said.
Significance of the LPG Shipment for India
The cargo -- enough to meet half a days requirement of the country -- will partly tide over supply constraints being faced since the start of the West Asia conflict more than two months back.
Ship-tracking data showed its position in Oman Gulf on Sunday evening.
The very large gas carrier has previously made runs between the Persian Gulf and Indian ports, has been chartered by state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
Navigating Geopolitical Challenges in the Region
Sarv Shakti is the first India-linked tanker to cross the war zone since a weeks-old US blockade of ships tied to Iran began, pushing transits through Hormuz back down to almost zero.
There are as many as 14 Indian flagged or India-owned vessels still stranded on the west side of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ongoing Efforts to Support Indian Vessels and Seafarers
The statement said no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure crew welfare and uninterrupted operations.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) control room has handled 8,373 calls and more than 17,965 emails since activation, including 38 calls and 127 emails in the last 24 hours.
India has also facilitated the repatriation of more than 2,953 seafarers so far, including 31 in the past day from across the Gulf region.
Port operations across the country remain normal with no congestion reported, the statement added.
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