Another India-Bound LPG Tanker Symi Safely Crosses Strait Of Hormuz, Reaches Kandla

Amid continued tensions in West Asia and rising fuel prices, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Symi, carrying around 20,000 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Kandla Port on Sunday.

The LPG carrier crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 13 after departing from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal with LPG cargo meant for India. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel has 21 foreign crew members onboard.

Another vessel, NV Sunshine, crossed the Strait on Thursday and is expected to arrive at New Mangaluru Port by May 18. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also confirmed the movement of the vessels during an inter-ministerial briefing on the West Asia crisis in New Delhi.

“Two LPG carrier vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz,” said Mukesh Mangal, Additional

Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

He said both shipments were carrying cargo for India and were being operated in coordination with Indian Oil Corporation to ensure safe transit through the strategic route.

The latest crossings take the number of Indian vessels that have navigated the Strait of Hormuz since tensions escalated in the region to 13. These include 12 LPG tankers and one crude oil tanker.

The shipping lane has faced disruptions following the US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions more than two months ago.

Officials said several foreign-flagged tankers carrying India-bound energy cargo have also crossed the Persian Gulf route successfully, though at least 12 Indian vessels and multiple foreign ships transporting cargo for India remain stranded in the Gulf.