Two Indian LPG tankers sail out safely from Strait of Hormuz, 16 still stranded

Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers have managed to navigate through the conflict affected Strait of Hormuz and are now en route to Indian ports, even as 16 other vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. Officials confirmed that maritime operations involving Indian ships continue to remain stable despite heightened tensions in the region, news agency PTI reported. According to Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, LPG carrier Green Sanvi, loaded with 46,650 tonnes of LPG, is slated to reach India on Tuesday (April 7). Another vessel, Green Asha, carrying 15,500 tonnes, is expected to arrive on April 9.

"Indian maritime operations remain safe and uninterrupted amid West Asia crisis. 16 Indian flagged vessels with 433 seafarers are in the region; two LPG carriers, Green Sanvi and



Green Asha, safely crossed Strait of Hormuz," Mangal added, as per PTI.

With their passage, the number of Indian flagged LPG tankers that have successfully crossed the crucial route has now risen to eight. Notably, the crucial waterway has been severely disrupted since the joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s large-scale counter-response.

Of the ships still held up in the Persian Gulf region, authorities said one is an LNG carrier, two are LPG tankers, six are crude oil transporters, three are container ships and the rest include a dredger, a chemical carrier and bulk vessels. There is currently no confirmation on reports suggesting that Iran may be charging vessels for safe passage, with Mangal stating that "we have no information of such payments."