Shipping Ministry Highlights 40 Priority Vessels and Recommends Oman Route Due to Hormuz Disruption
With the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed to commercial traffic, India’s shipping ministry has identified around 40 vessels as “priority” for evacuation through Oman’s territorial waters. This decision comes as 18 of these ships are carrying energy products, while others transport essential fertilizers and various cargo. The evacuation is crucial for ensuring India’s energy security and meeting agricultural needs during the upcoming kharif sowing season. The government is also preparing to restart services to West Asia to facilitate the transport of stranded cargo.
Evacuation Plans for Priority Vessels
The shipping ministry has taken proactive measures by compiling a list of approximately 40 vessels that are bound for India. These ships are currently stranded due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route. Among the identified vessels, 18 are loaded with energy products, while 16 carry fertilizers, and the remaining six transport various other goods. The urgency of this evacuation stems from the need to secure energy supplies and ensure the availability of soil nutrients for farmers ahead of the kharif sowing season. The external affairs ministry has been informed of these developments, and discussions are underway regarding the possibility of utilizing Oman’s territorial waters for the evacuation process.
Shipping Corporation of India to Resume Services
In response to the situation, the government has initiated preparatory work for the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to resume its services to West Asia. This move aims to facilitate the transport of stranded cargo and alleviate the impact of the ongoing conflict in the region. Mukesh Mangal, additional secretary in the shipping ministry, confirmed that the government is actively exploring the feasibility of restarting these services, although specific timelines for commencement have not been disclosed. During a recent review meeting led by Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, officials from the commerce ministry indicated that the inaugural SCI ship could potentially carry between 3,000 to 4,000 containers of agricultural and allied cargo to ports in the UAE, from where the goods can be transported by road to their final destinations.
Expansion of Shipping Capacity
The shipping ministry has emphasized the urgent need to expand India’s shipping capacity in light of recent disruptions. Minister Sonowal has called for the enhancement of container vessels, LPG carriers, crude carriers, and green tugs to bolster resilience against external challenges. A meeting convened by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is scheduled to discuss a long-term “resilience plan” aimed at insulating India from future disruptions. The focus on expanding shipping capacity has gained momentum, particularly due to rising maritime freight rates and the hesitance of private shipping lines to transport cargo to the Persian Gulf. The government is advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels within the current financial year, supported by an investment of Rs 51,383 crore, which is expected to increase the country’s gross tonnage by an additional 2.85 million.
Fast-Tracking Ship Procurement
To expedite the procurement of new vessels, the shipping ministry has directed the Shipping Corporation of India, oil and gas public sector undertakings, and the newly established Bharat Container Shipping Line to accelerate their efforts. Tenders have already been floated for 34 vessels, which include 18 ships and tankers. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and ensuring a steady flow of essential goods, particularly in light of the current geopolitical challenges affecting shipping routes. The focus on rapid procurement is crucial for maintaining supply chains and supporting the nation’s economic stability.
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