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India-Linked LPG Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz Amid Blockades

An India-linked LPG tanker, Sarv Shakti, has crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid blockades. The vessel carries 45,000 tonnes of LPG for cooking fuel. This marks the first known passage since a US-led blockade targeting Iran-linked ships. The transit is significant for global energy flows.

Key Points: India-Linked LPG Tanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz

  • India-linked LPG tanker Sarv Shakti crosses Strait of Hormuz
  • Vessel carries 45,000 tonnes of LPG for cooking fuel
  • First such transit since US-led blockade began
  • Rare passage through vital energy corridor
2 min read

Another India-linked LPG tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz amid blockades

An India-linked LPG tanker, Sarv Shakti, crosses the Strait of Hormuz amid blockades, marking a rare transit in a key energy corridor.

"The vessel's journey is significant as it represents the first known passage by an India-linked tanker since a US-led blockade targeting ships associated with Iran began weeks ago. - Ship-tracking data analysis"

New Delhi, May 3

An India-linked liquefied petroleum gas tanker has successfully crossed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, marking a rare transit amid heightened tensions and severe disruptions to global energy flows.

The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, Sarv Shakti, carrying around 45,000 tonnes of LPG commonly used as cooking fuel, was tracked moving into the Gulf of Oman after passing near Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands on Saturday, according to ship-tracking data.

The vessel is believed to be en route to India. Sarv Shakti, a very large gas carrier, has previously operated on routes between the Persian Gulf and Indian ports.

It is currently broadcasting its Indian destination and crew details, a safety protocol widely adopted by vessels navigating the region since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran.

The vessel's journey is significant as it represents the first known passage by an India-linked tanker since a US-led blockade targeting ships associated with Iran began weeks ago.

The restrictions had effectively reduced tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to near-zero levels, disrupting one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

Sarv Shakti is also among the largest carriers to navigate the route since a brief and chaotic reopening of the strait last month, which was quickly followed by renewed restrictions.

Meanwhile, in last month, reports said that the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment, since the West Asia conflict began on February 28, appeared to have traversed the Strait of Hormuz, signalling a potential breakthrough at a key global energy chokepoint.

The LNG tanker Mubaraz -- which loaded cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co's Das Island facility in early March -- was passing the southern tip of India, according to the ship-tracking data.

The vessel had remained idle inside the Persian Gulf for weeks and had stopped transmitting signals around March 31, before reappearing west of India on Monday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The fact that this tanker had to broadcast its destination and crew details just to avoid being targeted shows how dangerous the situation has become. We import a huge chunk of LPG from the Gulf. If this blockade continues, ordinary households will feel the pinch. Hope the government is making backup plans with Russia or Southeast Asia.
V
Vikram M
Everyone is praising this as a success, but let's be real - this is one tanker. The strait was effectively closed for weeks. India's energy security is too important to depend on a single chokepoint. We need more strategic storage and alternative suppliers. The US-led blockade is hurting us more than it hurts Iran.
J
James A
Impressive navigation by the crew. The Strait of Hormuz is no joke even in peacetime, let alone with all these naval tensions. Hope this signals a broader reopening so global energy markets can stabilize. India needs reliable gas supplies for its growing economy.
R
Rohit P
This is not a victory. It's a lucky break. What about the next tanker? And the one after that? The government needs to engage diplomatically with all sides to ensure safe passage for Indian-bound vessels. Our 140 crore people shouldn't have to worry about cooking gas because of some geopolitical game in West Asia.
K
Kavya N
I'm just relieved that our LPG supplies might not be disrupted. The other day my mother was asking if we should stock up on cylinders. Hopefully this is the start of normalcy returning to the strait. And kudos to the Indian crew sailing through such dangerous waters. 🙏

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