Indian LNG Carrier Disha Becomes First Vessel To Cross Strait Of Hormuz Following US-Iran Agreement

An India-bound liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, Disha, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz following reports of a preliminary understanding between the United States and Iran that has eased tensions in the region.

The vessel, chartered by Petronet LNG and operated by a consortium led by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), crossed the strategic waterway on Monday and is expected to arrive at Dahej in Gujarat on June 18, according to India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Officials said the Malta-flagged vessel is carrying 62,370 metric tonnes of LNG, loaded at Ras Laffan in Qatar, and had remained stranded in regional waters for several months amid heightened security risks in the Gulf.

The ministry said Disha is the first Indian LNG carrier to cross the Strait of Hormuz in nearly two months, as vessel movements through the chokepoint begin to show early signs of resumption.

The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, remains a critical global energy corridor.

According to the ministry, around 40% of India’s crude oil imports, 60% of LNG imports and 90% of LPG imports pass through the route from West Asia.

Shipping data and industry tracking reports show that since early March, 10 India-linked vessels have crossed the strait so far, while 13 Indian vessels remain in the Persian Gulf.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

Shipping Ministry Director Opesh Kumar Sharma said the vessel has safely crossed the chokepoint and is expected to reach Dahej on June 18.

He added that more than 3,587 Indian seafarers have been repatriated, including 50 in the past 96 hours. The maritime control room has handled over 12,700 calls and 28,000 emails since its activation.

Officials also said port operations across India remain normal and no congestion has been reported.

Maritime tracking data showed the vessel continued broadcasting its position via the Automatic Identification System (AIS) while passing through the strait.

Per industry sources, several other vessels in recent weeks had reportedly switched off tracking systems while transiting the area due to security concerns.

Shipping sector participants said traffic through the strait has not yet fully recovered despite the announcement of a US-Iran agreement, with operators remaining cautious about the durability of the understanding. They added that it may take weeks for vessel movements to normalise depending on the situation.

References: firstpost, indianexpress