Three Indian-flagged oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz
New Delhi: Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers carrying over 8.6 metric tons of cargo and 94 Indian crew members successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are now sailing towards India, Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.This development comes days after the United States lifted its blockade on Iran and allowed oil tankers to resume movement through the strategically important waterway after an initial agreement aimed at ending the Iranian conflict.
In a post on X, Sonowal said that the three ships, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald, had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and were on their way to Indian ports.“Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, namely Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald, carrying over 8.6 lakh metric tons of cargo with a crew of 94 Indian personnel, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz today and are on their way to India,” Sonowal said.He added that the government is working to protect India’s maritime and energy interests. “Under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi, the Government of India is working on top priority to secure India’s maritime interests. Our Ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure absolute safety of seafarers in Bharat and its energy lifeline,” he said.
The tankers are scheduled to arrive at Indian ports next week
According to news agency PTI, Desh Vaibhav is expected to arrive at Vadinar port on June 24, while Desh Vibhor is scheduled to arrive at Sikka port on the same day.
The third tanker, Sanmar Herald, is expected to dock in Paradip on July 1.The successful passage of ships comes amid improved shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important oil transit routes in the world.
Freight traffic rises despite tensions
The US military said commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased on June 20, with more than 17 million barrels of oil passing through the waterway during the day, according to Reuters.US Central Command (CENTCOM) said 55 commercial ships passed through the strait on Saturday and that safe passage remained intact.US Central Command said: “US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure that all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to and adhered to in full force and effect.”These comments came shortly after the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the strait, claiming that Israel and the United States violated the US-Iranian truce.However, US Vice President J.D. Vance said earlier that he had not seen any evidence of the waterway being closed, and expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold.