The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has stated that no other Indian-flagged vessel has departed from the Persian Gulf following the passage of the Malta-flagged LNG carrier Disha through the Strait of Hormuz on June 15. The announcement was made by Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the Ministry, during an inter-ministerial briefing on Thursday.
Government Coordination for Safe Return
Sharma emphasized that the government is working closely with multiple ministries and stakeholders to facilitate the safe return of Indian vessels and energy cargoes from the Persian Gulf region. He noted that the Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Ministry of External Affairs, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure preparedness and expedite the return of vessels.
“We are closely coordinating with all our stakeholders to ensure that our energy as well as our flag vessels come out,” Sharma said.
Status of Indian Vessels
When asked about the status of Indian vessels in the region, Sharma confirmed that no other Indian-flagged vessel has moved out after Disha. He added that efforts are underway to ensure the movement of both energy cargoes and Indian-flagged ships.
Disha’s Journey and Expected Berthing
Sharma provided an update on the LNG carrier Disha, which is carrying 62,370 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The vessel safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on June 15 and is expected to berth at Dahej, Gujarat, on Friday morning.
“As you are aware, the Malta-flagged LNG carrier Disha had crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 15th June, carrying about 62,370 metric tons of LNG cargo. The vessel is expected to berth at Dahej tomorrow morning,” Sharma said.
Support for Indian Seafarers
The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), continues to work with various stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers. Sharma highlighted that the control room set up at DG Shipping has handled over 13,187 calls and more than 29,376 emails. In the last 72 hours alone, 450 calls and 1,077 emails have been received from seafarers, their families, and maritime stakeholders.
Sharma also reported that the Ministry has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,639 seafarers so far, including 47 in the last 72 hours.
Port Operations Remain Normal
Sharma assured that maritime operations across India remain unaffected, with port operations normal and no congestion reported.
“Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported,” he said.
