The Indian-flagged LPG tanker, Shivalik, successfully docked at Gujarat’s Mundra Port on Monday at 5:00 PM, carrying approximately 45,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas from Qatar. This arrival is a major relief for the government, as the vessel had to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, a highly sensitive maritime chokepoint currently affected by regional conflicts. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, confirmed that the vessel moved into open waters without incident, ensuring a steady supply of fuel to the domestic market.
The Shivalik is one of two state-run Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) tankers carrying a combined total of 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG to the country. Its sister ship, Nanda Devi, is currently en route and is expected to arrive at Kandla Port in Gujarat early tomorrow morning. Furthermore, the vessel Jag Laadki, carrying 81,000 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE, is also making its way to Mundra Port. Government officials have emphasized that all Indian seafarers—including 611 crew members across 22 Indian-flagged vessels currently in the Persian Gulf region—are safe and accounted for.
To mitigate the risks posed by the West Asia crisis, major Indian ports are closely monitoring vessel movements and providing strategic support to shipping lines. This includes offering concessions in anchorage, berth hire, and storage charges to ensure the smooth flow of essential cargo. Given that nearly 20% of global oil and gas exports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the safe arrival of these tankers underscores the effectiveness of the Indian government’s inter-ministerial coordination and monitoring efforts during this period of heightened maritime sensitivity.
