A crude oil tanker sailing under the Liberian flag and commanded by an Indian captain has reached the Mumbai port after navigating the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The vessel, identified as the Shenlong Suezmax, had loaded crude oil from Ras Tanura Port in Saudi Arabia before beginning its journey to India. The tanker successfully reached Mumbai on Wednesday after authorities in Iran permitted it to cross the narrow maritime passage, according to officials from the Mumbai Port Trust, reported India Today.
The vessel’s safe arrival comes shortly after Tehran allowed Indian oil tankers to move through the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic engagement between S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The discussions helped ease concerns surrounding the movement of Indian-linked energy shipments through the sensitive waterway during the ongoing regional crisis, reported India Today, citing sources.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most crucial global maritime corridors, serving as a key route for a large proportion of the world’s crude oil and natural gas exports. Concerns over energy supply security have intensified after Iran strengthened its control over the strategic passage following the military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Tehran on February 28. The developments have raised fears of disruptions to global energy markets, reported India Today.
According to ANI, the Liberia-flagged tanker had begun its journey from Ras Tanura on March 1 before navigating the highly sensitive maritime route in the Gulf region. The vessel’s successful transit highlights the importance of diplomatic coordination and maritime monitoring as tensions continue to impact key shipping lanes in the area, reported India Today.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (India) said that 28 Indian-flagged ships are presently operating across the Persian Gulf region. Among them, 24 vessels carrying 677 Indian seafarers are positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four ships with 101 Indian crew members are currently located east of the passage. Authorities said the safety of these vessels and crew members is being closely monitored, with a round-the-clock control room functioning since February 28 at the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping (India) to track the situation and coordinate assistance if required, reported India Today.