Two Indian-flagged vessels, the Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully navigated the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning while transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Gulf nations. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, announced that the vessels are en route to Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat, carrying a total of 92,700 tonnes of LPG. They are expected to arrive at their destinations on March 16 or 17.
These vessels were part of a group of 24 Indian-flagged ships stranded on the western side of the strait due to escalating hostilities in the region. In a related development, one of four Indian vessels stuck on the eastern side, the oil tanker Jag Prakash, has resumed its journey. This tanker, laden with gasoline from Oman, is heading to Tanga, Tanzania, and is anticipated to reach its destination by March 21.
Sinha noted that 28 Indian-flagged vessels had initially been trapped in the area, with three still stranded on the eastern side, while the western side hosts 24 vessels with a total of 668 seafarers. Approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers currently operate across merchant, harbor, and offshore vessels in the Gulf region, with the Directorate General of Shipping actively coordinating their safety.
The Directorate General of Shipping has established a 24-hour control room, responding to over 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails, successfully facilitating the safe return of more than 223 stranded seafarers. Indian vessels have been advised to utilize the helpline, adhere to safety protocols, and report any incidents promptly. Amid these challenges, port operations in India remain stable, with measures in place to prioritize LPG vessel berthing and ensure efficient customs clearance. The ministry continues to closely monitor the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf.
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