Indian Tanker Dodges Danger as Fujairah Port Comes Under Attack
An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker had a narrow escape when the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah port was targeted in an attack on Saturday. The vessel, named Jag Laadki, was actively loading crude at the oil terminal's Single Point Mooring facility when the assault occurred. Despite the perilous situation, the ship managed to sail out safely the following day with all crew members unharmed.
Safe Passage Amid Regional Turmoil
According to an official statement from India's Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, the Jag Laadki departed Fujairah at 10:30 AM Indian Standard Time on Sunday. The vessel was carrying approximately 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil and is currently en route to India. Government officials confirmed that both the ship and all Indian seafarers on board remain safe following the incident.
"On March 14, 2026, while the Indian-flag vessel Jag Laadki was loading crude oil at the Fujairah Single Point Mooring, the Fujairah oil terminal was attacked," the ministry detailed in its press release. "The vessel sailed safely from Fujairah at 1030 hrs IST today carrying about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil and is bound for India. The vessel and all Indian seafarers onboard are safe."
Multiple Indian Vessels Navigate Conflict Zone
Jag Laadki represents the fourth Indian-flagged vessel to emerge unscathed from the increasingly volatile region surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Its successful departure carries particular significance as disruptions in this critical maritime corridor have severely impacted shipping movements and global energy supplies.
Earlier on Saturday, two additional Indian-flagged LPG carriers—Shivalik and Nanda Devi—successfully traversed the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz. These vessels were transporting a combined cargo of roughly 92,712 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas. Shivalik is anticipated to reach Mundra port in Gujarat on March 16, while Nanda Devi is scheduled to dock at Kandla port one day later.
Both ships had been among 24 vessels stranded on the western side of the strait since hostilities intensified in the area. Another four vessels remained stuck on the eastern side. One of these, the Indian-flagged tanker Jag Prakash, managed to cross the strait on Friday after loading gasoline from Sohar port in Oman. This vessel is currently heading toward Tanga in Tanzania with an expected arrival date of March 21.
India's Energy Security Concerns
Authorities have confirmed that Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region remain safe, though the situation continues to be monitored with heightened vigilance. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 611 seafarers remain positioned on the western side of the Persian Gulf region.
India's substantial dependence on energy imports amplifies concerns about regional instability. The nation sources approximately 88 percent of its crude oil, 50 percent of its natural gas, and 60 percent of its LPG from international markets. Prior to the escalation of conflict following US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, more than half of India's crude imports—along with around 30 percent of gas and up to 90 percent of LPG—originated from Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Disruptions and Strategic Responses
The ongoing conflict has significantly disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy transportation. While India has partially offset crude supply disruptions by increasing purchases from alternative sources such as Russia, gas supplies to industrial users have been curtailed. Additionally, LPG availability for commercial establishments including hotels and restaurants has been reduced.
The Indian government has emphasized that maritime authorities maintain constant coordination with stakeholders to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers. "The Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions," stated an official update.
Since activating its control room, authorities have handled 2,995 phone calls and more than 5,357 emails from seafarers, their families, and other maritime stakeholders seeking information and assistance. To date, 276 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated from the Gulf region, including 23 within the past 24 hours.
Officials noted that ports across India are maintaining close surveillance of vessel movements and cargo operations as the maritime situation evolves. The Ministry of Shipping continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and shipping companies to ensure both the safety of Indian crews and the continuity of essential maritime trade.
