Three Indian-Flagged Oil Tankers Carrying Over 860,000 MT Of Cargo Safely Cross Strait Of Hormuz
An India-bound LNG cargo and three crude oil tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz before Iran announced a renewed closure of the strategic waterway, according to shipping data and official statements.
The LNG carrier Al Hamra is now heading to southern India after exiting the Strait carrying 132,890 cubic metres of LNG loaded from Abu Dhabi’s Das Island terminal.
The ship is bound for Ennore near Chennai, where IndianOil LNG Private Ltd operates a major import terminal.
The cargo was supplied by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The shipment is important for India, which relies on imported gas for power plants and fertiliser production.
Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald, also cleared the Strait and are now on their way to India.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessels are carrying more than 8.6 million tonnes of cargo with 94 Indian crew members.
The tankers are expected to arrive at Indian ports between June 24 and July 1, with destinations including Vadinar, Sikka and Paradip.
Bloomberg, citing US Central Command, said 55 merchant ships crossed the Strait before Iran announced the closure order. These vessels carried around 17 million barrels of crude oil.
Tracking data shows the Al Hamra loaded its cargo at Abu Dhabi’s Das Island and briefly switched off its tracking system during its journey through the region, a common practice in high-risk waters.
India gets around 10% to 15% of its LNG from Abu Dhabi, while Qatar remains its largest supplier with 40% to 45%. Smaller volumes come from Oman and other Gulf producers.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow and vital sea route that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through it, along with large volumes of LNG.
Concerns about disruption have already led Indian buyers to look for alternative LNG supplies from countries such as the United States and Nigeria.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported the closure of the Strait following increased tensions linked to fighting in Lebanon. The announcement came after a period of rising regional conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah.
Despite the announcement, US Central Command said shipping through the Strait continued and that naval forces were monitoring the situation. It said 55 merchant ships had passed through during the latest movement window.
Indian officials said the safe passage of the tankers shows ongoing coordination to protect energy supply routes and seafarers.
Some Indian-flagged ships are still believed to be on the Gulf side of the Strait, while others have already completed their passage.
Diplomatic talks related to a broader ceasefire and energy agreement are still ongoing, with no final outcome yet.
References: Telegraph India, Live Mint
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