The shipping ministry has shared a list of around 40 India-bound 'priority vessels' with the external affairs ministry, suggesting evacuation through Oman's territorial waters as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for commercial traffic. Oman's waters lie south of the strait, while Iranian waters are to the north. According to reliable sources, 18 of these ships are loaded with energy products, 16 carry fertilizer, and six have other cargo. This evacuation is crucial for India's energy security and to meet fertilizer demand during the upcoming kharif sowing season.
Government Prepares for SCI Services Restart
The government has initiated preparatory work for the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) to resume services to West Asia, aiding the transport of stranded cargo. Mukesh Mangal, additional secretary in the shipping ministry, stated that the government is actively working on this possibility but did not provide specific timelines.
Review Meeting Highlights
At a review meeting chaired by Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday evening, officials discussed the impact of the West Asia conflict and mitigation measures. Commerce ministry officials informed that the inaugural SCI ship could carry 3,000-4,000 containers of agricultural and allied cargo to UAE ports, from where goods could be transported by road to their destinations. Sonowal emphasized the urgent need to expand India's shipping capacity, including container vessels, LPG and crude carriers, and green tugs, to ensure resilience against external disruptions. The Prime Minister's Office will hold a meeting on May 4 to discuss a long-term 'resilience plan' to insulate India from such disruptions.
Shipping Capacity Expansion Roadmap
Expanding shipping capacity has gained urgency amid rising maritime freight rates and reluctance of private shipping lines to transport cargo to the Persian Gulf. Sonowal informed officials that the government is advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels in the current financial year, backed by Rs 51,383 crore, which will create an additional 2.85 million gross tonnage. The ministry has directed SCI, oil and gas PSUs, and the newly formed Bharat Container Shipping Line to fast-track ship procurement. So far, tenders have been floated for 34 vessels, including 18 ships and tankers.
