Hormuz Transit Update: Indian LPG Tankers Successfully Navigate Strait Amidst Gulf Vessel Standstill
Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers have successfully navigated the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to Indian ports, according to officials. The vessels, Green Sanvi and Green Asha, are expected to arrive in India on April 7 and April 9, respectively. This development comes as 16 other vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Safe Passage Through a Troubled Waterway
The successful transit of the LPG carriers Green Sanvi and Green Asha marks a significant achievement for Indian maritime operations, which have remained secure despite the escalating crisis in West Asia. Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, confirmed that these two vessels are among eight Indian-flagged LPG tankers that have crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz since the onset of hostilities. The waterway has faced disruptions since the United States and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran.
Mangal noted that 16 Indian-flagged vessels, carrying a total of 433 seafarers, are still in the Persian Gulf. This group includes a mix of cargo types: one loaded LNG carrier, two LPG tankers (one loaded and one empty), six crude carriers (five loaded and one empty), three container ships, a dredger, a chemical cargo vessel, and two bulk carriers. The ongoing situation in the region has raised concerns about the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
Impact on India’s LPG Supply
The arrival of Green Sanvi and Green Asha is expected to alleviate some of India’s concerns regarding LPG supply. The country relies heavily on imports for its cooking gas needs, with approximately 60% of its LPG sourced from abroad. In the previous year, India consumed 33.15 million tonnes of LPG, with nearly 90% of these imports coming from West Asia. The successful transit of these vessels is crucial for maintaining a steady supply of cooking gas to meet domestic demand.
As tensions in the region continue, the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation. Mangal stated that there have been no reports of Iran imposing transit fees on vessels, which could further complicate shipping operations. The safety of maritime routes remains a priority, especially given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global oil and gas transportation.
Recent Maritime Movements
In recent weeks, several Indian-flagged LPG tankers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, two additional carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, transported around 94,000 tonnes of LPG to India, with BW TYR arriving in Mumbai on March 31 and BW ELM docking at New Mangalore on April 1. Earlier in March, four other Indian-flagged LPG tankers delivered over 185,000 tonnes of LPG to Indian ports.
At the beginning of the conflict, 28 Indian-flagged vessels were operating in the Strait of Hormuz region. So far, 10 of these vessels have managed to transit safely, with eight coming from the western side and two from the eastern side. This successful navigation through a volatile area highlights the resilience of Indian maritime operations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Future Outlook for Shipping in the Region
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains fluid, with shipping operations continuing to be affected by the conflict. Despite the challenges, Iran has indicated that “non-hostile vessels” may pass through the strait after coordinating with its authorities. This development offers a glimmer of hope for maritime trade in the region, as shipping companies seek to navigate the complexities of operating in a conflict zone.
In addition to the LPG tankers, oil tanker Jag Laadki, carrying 80,886 tonnes of crude from the UAE, successfully reached Mundra on March 18. Another vessel, Jag Prakash, transporting gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also crossed the strait and is currently en route to Tanzania. The ongoing efforts to ensure safe passage for vessels in the region will be critical as the situation evolves.
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