First India-Bound Tanker Since Iran–US Conflict Escalation Reaches Mumbai After Crossing The Strategic Strait Of Hormuz
A crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil has successfully arrived at Mumbai Port, marking the first India-bound vessel known to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since tensions escalated between Iran and the United States.
As per news agency ANI, the Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax had loaded its cargo at Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia on 1 March and departed two days later.
Maritime tracking records show that the vessel entered the Strait of Hormuz on 8 March before briefly disappearing from public tracking systems.
Shipping data indicates that the vessel temporarily switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder while passing through the strategically sensitive waterway.
The AIS system is a mandatory maritime safety tool that automatically broadcasts a vessel’s identity, location, speed and course to nearby ships and coastal authorities to prevent collisions and assist navigation.
The tanker reappeared on tracking systems on 9 March and eventually reached Mumbai Port on Wednesday afternoon. It docked at 1 pm and was later berthed at Jawahar Dweep at 6:06 pm.
The vessel is carrying around 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude oil, which will be supplied to refineries located in Mahul in eastern Mumbai. Officials expect the unloading process to take roughly 36 hours.
The ship is owned by Shenlong Shipping Ltd and managed by Dynacom Tanker Management Ltd of Athens. The vessel has a crew of 29 members comprising Indian, Pakistani and Filipino seafarers, and is commanded by an Indian captain.
The arrival comes at a time when tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps naval commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri warned vessels that passage through the strait requires Iran’s approval.
The narrow maritime corridor is one of the world’s most critical energy routes, handling more than 20 million barrels of crude oil daily, roughly a fifth of global oil consumption.
Meanwhile, India’s Shipping Ministry said 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region, with authorities closely monitoring the safety of 778 Indian seafarers.
Please click here to add Swarajya as your preferred and trusted news source on Google