The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is essential to India’s energy security, recently welcoming the oil tanker Aqua Titan with 96,099 tonnes of crude oil and the Pysix Pioneer carrying 16,714 tonnes of LPG. These shipments reflect the government’s proactive measures to stabilize fuel supply amid global uncertainties.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has classified the Lila Jamnagar, a 298,997 DWT Very Large Crude Carrier, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. Owned by RFK Shipping and registered in GIFT City, this vessel marks a significant milestone in India’s tanker fleet, affirming IRS’s commitment to global safety and performance standards.
Amid rising tensions in West Asia, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz. They are expected to reach Indian ports by March 28, carrying 92,612.59 metric tonnes of LPG. The Ministry of Ports assures stable maritime operations and crew safety.
India is working closely with Iranian officials to ensure the safe passage of 22 Indian-flagged merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted due to regional tensions. Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha confirmed that 611 Indian seafarers are being monitored, with recent shipments delivered without incident amid ongoing safety discussions.
In a recent Lok Sabha address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the urgent need to facilitate the return of Indian seafarers stranded in the Gulf due to the West Asia crisis. With 778 seafarers reported stranded, families of two missing individuals have appealed for government intervention to locate their loved ones.
The maritime sector is operating smoothly, with no port congestion reported. Authorities are ensuring the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted flow of trade, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels are in the Persian Gulf, and all Indian seafarers are safe.
The Bombay High Court has allowed the owners of three ships seized by the Indian Coast Guard to deliver essential supplies to their crew. The vessels were detained for suspected illegal petroleum transfers. The court’s ruling ensures crew members receive necessary provisions while investigations into the alleged smuggling continue.
India’s freight forwarding industry is alarmed by soaring War Risk Surcharges (WRS) imposed by international shipping lines on Gulf-bound cargo. The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) has urged intervention from the Ministry of Ports, highlighting potential profiteering as exporters face increased financial strain and significant disruptions.
Eight Indian seafarers returned to Mumbai after surviving a missile attack on their oil tanker, Sky Light, near Oman. Stranded for over a week, they lost all belongings in the fire. Now, grappling with trauma and uncertainty, they contemplate leaving the profession for the safety of their families.
India has significantly enhanced its naval presence in the Gulf of Oman, deploying over six warships under Operation Sankalp to escort Indian-flagged carriers through the Strait of Hormuz. This expansion aims to safeguard maritime interests while addressing humanitarian concerns for stranded merchant ships amid rising energy security risks.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal gathered shipping and trade leaders in Mumbai on March 19 to discuss the impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on Indian maritime operations. The meeting revealed a significant reduction in export backlog at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, though full normalization remains a challenge amid ongoing tensions.
In a bold move, the Indian government has enacted the Petroleum and Natural Gas (Furnishing of Information) Order 2026, requiring real-time data sharing from the oil and gas sector under the Essential Commodities Act. This mandates all stakeholders to submit sensitive operational information, overriding confidentiality agreements to bolster national security amid energy reliance.
The Indian government assured that fuel supplies remain stable amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials confirmed refineries are operating at full capacity, with no shortages in petrol or diesel. Domestic LPG production has surged by 40%, alleviating panic. Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are reported safe.
Hapag-Lloyd and the Indian Government have signed three letters of intent to enhance maritime cooperation and strengthen India’s shipping sector. The partnership includes possible reflagging of vessels under the Indian registry, subject to commercial evaluations. Additionally, a ship recycling ecosystem is being developed to process 100 decommissioned vessels sustainably.
India’s energy supply was bolstered with the arrival of the Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki at Adani Ports’ Mundra terminal, carrying approximately 80,886 metric tonnes of crude oil from the UAE. This marks the fourth Indian vessel navigating the Strait of Hormuz amidst regional tensions, providing essential support to Indian refiners.
