First Since Iran-US Ceasefire Deal: Indian LNG Carrier Makes Safe Hormuz Transit

An LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carrier chartered by an Indian company has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first Indian LNG tanker to transit the strategic waterway since the conflict in West Asia began more than three-and-a-half months ago.The vessel, LNG Carrier Disha, is managed by a Shipping Corporation of India-led consortium and chartered by Petronet LNG Ltd. It is also among the first commercial ships to pass through the Strait since the announcement of a preliminary ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.The ship is carrying 62,370 tonnes of LNG and is expected to reach Petronet's Dahej terminal in Gujarat on June 18, according to Upesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.Also

Read: Iran War Reshapes India's Import Map, Oman Key Energy SupplierIndia meets nearly half of its natural gas requirement through LNG imports, with around 65 per cent of those supplies coming from Gulf countries such as Qatar and transported through the Strait of Hormuz.The vital shipping route was effectively shut after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28 triggered retaliatory actions by Tehran, disrupting maritime traffic in the region. Qatar subsequently declared force majeure on LNG shipments to several buyers, including India.Disha was among the vessels stranded during the conflict before resuming its journey to India.Speaking at a media briefing, Sharma said, "As we speak now, LNG carrier Disha, managed by a Shipping Corporation of India-led consortium, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and she is carrying 62,370 metric tons of LNG cargo."He added that 15 vessels, including 10 Indian-flagged ships and five foreign-flagged vessels, have safely crossed the Strait so far.The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through the Directorate General of Shipping, is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of Indian vessels and seafarers in the region.Addressing reports about an incident involving a tanker earlier this month, Sharma identified the vessel as Bochem Marengo, a Hong Kong-flagged oil and chemical tanker.He said, "All Indians on board remain safe. There is no injury or any other untoward incident on the crew of the vessel."The ministry is also assisting Indian seafarers facing difficulties in the region and has activated support mechanisms, including local agents where needed. In one recent case, the mortal remains of a deceased seafarer were transported to Oman for repatriation to India.According to Sharma, around 18,000 Indian seafarers are currently employed across the Gulf region. A 24-hour helpline remains operational for seafarers and their families, while more than 3,500 seafarers have been safely repatriated so far.The ministry said around 325 Indian seafarers are currently serving on Indian-flagged vessels operating west of the Strait of Hormuz, while 13 Indian ships remain deployed in the area.The Directorate General of Shipping has advised maritime companies and recruitment agencies to exercise maximum caution while operating in conflict zones and to strictly follow all security and safety protocols.Sharma said the government is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with all relevant agencies and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.(With inputs from PTI)