The Maltese-flagged LNG carrier Disha arrived at Gujarat's Dahej Port on Friday, carrying 62,370 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas. The vessel successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy trade, amid recent disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.
Peace Agreement Facilitates Safe Passage
The arrival follows a preliminary peace agreement signed by the presidents of the United States and Iran, aimed at ending the regional conflict. The tanker's voyage is among the first signs of resumed shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for India's energy imports.
Port Authority Confirms Safe Anchoring
According to the Bharuch port authority, the vessel safely anchored at the Petronet LNG jetty during the morning hours. The tanker, managed by a consortium led by the Shipping Corporation of India and chartered by Petronet LNG Ltd, is the first LNG carrier to reach India after navigating the strategic waterway amid tensions.
Government Briefing on Vessel Movements
Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on Thursday, Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated that no other Indian-flagged vessel had exited the Persian Gulf after Disha crossed the Strait of Hormuz on June 15 and proceeded towards India.
Regarding the status of Indian vessels in the region, Sharma said, "As of now, no other Indian-flag vessel has moved out after Disha." He further noted that the government is working closely with multiple ministries and stakeholders to facilitate the safe return of vessels and energy cargoes.
Coordinated Efforts for Safe Return
"We are closely coordinating with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Ministry of External Affairs, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all and everyone is prepared and our vessels return as soon as possible," Sharma added.
Support for Seafarers
Providing an update on support extended to seafarers, Sharma said, "The control room set up at DG Shipping has handled more than 13,187 calls and more than 29,376 emails." He added, "In the last 72 hours, a total of 450 calls and 1,077 emails have been received from seafarers, their families, and maritime stakeholders."
Repatriation Efforts
On repatriation efforts, Sharma stated, "The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping, has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,639 seafarers so far, including 47 in the last 72 hours."
Earlier, on June 16, Sharma had indicated that Disha was expected to arrive at Dahej on June 18 and noted that "15 vessels, comprising 10 Indian-flagged ships and 5 foreign-flagged vessels" had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
Stay updated with the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.
About the Author: TOI News Desk - The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.
