Bhubaneswar: A Liberian-flagged oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude has safely reached Mumbai, becoming the first India-bound vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since maritime traffic sharply declined following the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The tanker, identified as Shenlong, was carrying crude loaded from the Saudi port of Ras Tanura and was captained by an Indian national. The vessel cleared the strategic waterway two days before docking at Mumbai port, according to maritime tracking data.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints—has been severely disrupted since hostilities escalated in West Asia. The narrow corridor handles around one-fifth of global oil shipments, and tensions have led to attacks on commercial vessels and a sharp reduction in tanker traffic.
During its transit through the high-risk zone, the tanker reportedly switched off its automatic identification system (AIS) to reduce the risk of detection while navigating the volatile stretch. It later reappeared on tracking databases after exiting the strait and heading toward India.
The successful arrival of the vessel is expected to ease immediate concerns about India’s energy supplies, as a significant portion of the country’s crude imports normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials say several Indian-linked vessels remain in or near the region as authorities continue to monitor the evolving security situation in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.
-OdishaAge
