Two More Indian LPG Carriers Safely Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions
In a significant development for India's maritime sector, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers have successfully crossed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and are en route to Indian ports, with an expected arrival later this week. This transit occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia, underscoring the resilience of India's shipping operations in sensitive global corridors.
Details of the Latest Transit
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the vessels Jag Vasant and Pine Gas crossed the strait on Monday evening. Together, they are transporting a combined cargo of 92,612.59 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The ships are manned by 33 and 27 Indian seafarers, respectively, and are projected to dock at Indian ports between March 26 and 28, 2026.
Increasing Success in Maritime Operations
With this latest transit, a total of five Indian-flagged vessels have now safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in the region. Previous successful shipments include:
- Shivalik, carrying 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG.
- Nanda Devi, with 47,700 metric tonnes of LPG.
- Jag Laadki, transporting 80,886 metric tonnes of Murban crude oil.
The ministry has reported that maritime operations remain stable, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels recorded in the past 24 hours. All Indian seafarers in the area are confirmed to be safe.
Current Deployment and Repatriation Efforts
At present, there are 22 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the western Persian Gulf region, with approximately 600 Indian seafarers on board. Deployment levels have remained unchanged over the last 48 hours. In line with standard safety protocols, 11 seafarers have signed off and are being repatriated.
Officials highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure crew safety, noting that more than 547 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far. This includes 13 in the past 24 hours and 34 over the last 48 hours, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing personnel in volatile areas.
Smooth Functioning of India's Maritime Sector
Despite the regional tensions, India's maritime sector continues to operate smoothly, with no congestion reported at ports across the country. State Maritime Boards in key regions such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have confirmed normal operations.
To bolster infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted trade, augmentation measures have been implemented. These include:
- Expanded storage and handling capacity, with around 40,000 square metres of backup storage created at the Chennai Port Authority.
- Additional capacity for about 2,500 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) at the Cochin Port Authority to facilitate smoother cargo flow.
Government Monitoring and Future Outlook
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor shipping movements, port operations, and the safety of Indian seafarers. This vigilance is part of broader efforts to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade in light of the evolving security situation in West Asia.
The successful transit of these LPG carriers not only highlights the robustness of India's shipping logistics but also reinforces the country's commitment to maintaining global trade flows amid geopolitical challenges. As tensions persist, the government remains focused on safeguarding national interests and supporting the maritime community.
