India-Linked LPG Carrier Safely Crosses Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions, Heads for Visakhapatnam

New Delhi, May 3: In a significant development amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the LPG carrier MT Sarv Shakti has successfully navigated the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz and is en route to India with a major cooking gas consignment. The vessel, carrying 46,313 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, classified as a very large gas carrier, has a crew of 20 members, including 18 Indians. Its successful passage through one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints comes at a time when shipping traffic has been severely disrupted due to regional tensions and restrictions linked to ongoing conflicts involving Iran.

Ship-tracking data indicated that Sarv Shakti moved safely into the Gulf of Oman after passing near Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands. The vessel had been broadcasting its Indian destination and crew details—a precautionary safety measure widely adopted by ships operating in the region since hostilities escalated.

The transit is particularly noteworthy as it marks one of the first confirmed movements of an India-linked tanker through the Strait of Hormuz since a US-led blockade targeting vessels associated with Iran disrupted maritime activity weeks ago. These restrictions had nearly halted tanker traffic, impacting global energy supply chains and raising concerns about fuel availability.

Officials highlighted that Sarv Shakti is among the largest vessels to undertake this route since a brief and unstable reopening of the strait last month. Its successful journey signals a cautious but important development for energy logistics and maritime stability in the region.

Meanwhile, the government has reassured that all Indian seafarers stationed across the Middle East are safe. No incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the past 24 hours. Authorities have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of ships and crew operating in the Gulf region.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has been actively managing a control room that has handled over 8,300 calls and nearly 18,000 emails since its activation. In the last 24 hours alone, 38 calls and 127 emails were received, reflecting continued monitoring and assistance efforts.

In addition, more than 2,953 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 31 in the past day from various Gulf locations. The ministry emphasized that port operations across India remain smooth, with no congestion reported.

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely track developments in West Asia, maintaining coordination with Indian missions abroad. Embassies and consulates are operating round-the-clock helplines, offering consular support and facilitating travel and safety arrangements for Indian nationals.

As tensions persist, the safe passage of Sarv Shakti underscores both the resilience of maritime operations and the government’s proactive approach in safeguarding India’s energy security and its citizens overseas.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)