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Indian LPG Ship 'Jag Vikram' Docks at Kandla, Easing Supply Amid Tensions

The LPG vessel 'Jag Vikram' has successfully docked at Kandla Port carrying a significant cargo of liquefied petroleum gas. Its passage through the Strait of Hormuz is notable as the first by an Indian ship following a US-Iran ceasefire announcement aimed at cooling regional tensions. Government officials report that 15 other Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the area, with coordinated efforts underway to facilitate their safe return. The ministry also confirmed normal port operations across India and the safe repatriation of thousands of seafarers.

Key Points: Indian LPG Vessel Reaches Kandla Port After Hormuz Transit

  • Vessel crossed Strait of Hormuz after ceasefire
  • Carried 20,400 MT of LPG
  • 15 other Indian vessels still stranded
  • No incidents reported in last 24 hours
  • 90% of India's LPG comes from Gulf
2 min read

Indian-flagged LPG vessel 'Jag Vikram' reaches Kandla Port with 20,400 MT cargo after crossing Strait of Hormuz

Indian-flagged LPG carrier Jag Vikram arrives at Kandla with 20,400 MT cargo, a key transit after US-Iran ceasefire eased Strait of Hormuz passage.

"We, in coordination with MEA, are trying, putting our efforts to bring our vessels back. - Mukesh Mangal"

Kandla, April 15

Indian-flagged LPG vessel 'Jag Vikram', which crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, arrived at Kandla Port on April 14 carrying 20,400 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, officials said.

The vessel docked late on Tuesday night at Oil Jetty No. 1 at Kandla Port. The unloading process is expected to begin shortly and is likely to strengthen the country's LPG supply chain.

The vessel's arrival comes amid continued monitoring of maritime energy supply routes in the region.

The transit marks a breakthrough for New Delhi, as it is the first Indian ship to navigate the strategic corridor after the announcement of a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, aimed at cooling regional hostilities and restoring essential maritime trade routes.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Ministry of External Affairs are in coordination to bring back a total of 15 Indian-flagged vessels stranded at the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on Monday, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal said, "We, in coordination with MEA, are trying, putting our efforts to bring our vessels back. And as soon as it is possible for our vessels to sail from the Strait of Hormuz, those vessels will come back. At present, a total of 15 Indian-flagged and Indian-owned vessels are there."

Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal further provided a reassuring update on the status of vessels and crew members in the Gulf region, highlighting that no incident has been reported involving Indian vessels in the past 24 hours.

"We have received no report of any incident related to an Indian-flagged vessel in the last 24 hours. The Ministry has facilitated safe repatriation of more than 2177 Indian seafarers till now, including 93 seafarers in the last 24 hours," he said.

The ministry emphasised its commitment to ensuring seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations, highlighting continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders.

"Operations are normal at every Indian port, and there have been no reports of any congestion," the Ministry added.

The importance of the passage of Jag Vikram is further highlighted by the fact that nearly 90 per cent of India's liquefied petroleum gas imports are sourced from nations in the Gulf region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see coordination between Ports and MEA. But what about the 15 other vessels still stuck? The article says efforts are on, but families of those seafarers must be so worried. Hope they come home soon.
R
Rohit P
A 14-day ceasefire is a start, but it's a very short window. We need a permanent, diplomatic solution for that region. Our economy and kitchen gas cylinders depend on it! 🛢️
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows global trade, this is a significant logistical achievement. Navigating the Strait of Hormuz under current tensions is no small feat. Well done to the shipping company and the Indian authorities for managing this.
V
Vikram M
While I'm glad the ship arrived safely, this highlights our over-dependence on one region. Shouldn't we be investing more in alternative energy sources and diversifying our imports? Just a thought.
M
Michael C
The real heroes are the 2177+ seafarers who were repatriated and those still on duty. Working on those routes takes immense courage. Hope their welfare is truly prioritized as the ministry claims.

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