NEW DELHI: A crude oil tanker that passed through the Strait of Hormuz has arrived at Mumbai Port, becoming one of the first vessels to reach India via the critical route amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to the Mumbai Port Trust, the Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, captained by an Indian national and carrying crude oil loaded at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia reached Mumbai on Wednesday, reported ANI.Authorities said Iran had cleared the vessel to transit the strategic waterway, where shipping activity has sharply declined following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Sources said Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian-flagged ships to move safely through the strait even as maritime traffic in the region has slowed significantly since the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iran. The Shenlong Suezmax, which departed Ras Tanura on March 1, completed its journey to Mumbai after receiving permission to pass through the narrow shipping corridor.Iran has tightened control over shipping in the strait in recent days. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said vessels seeking to sail through the waterway must obtain Tehran’s approval. In a post on X, he said two ships that ignored Iran’s warnings were targeted on Wednesday.“Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, who today, trusting in empty promises, ignored the warnings and intended to cross the Strait, but were caught. Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian general said.Iranian state media has reported that Tehran has intensified restrictions on shipping through the strait, while stating that vessels not serving the interests of the United States or Israel would be allowed safe passage. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with more than 20 million barrels of crude oil moving through the narrow channel between Iran and Oman every day, about a fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of seaborne oil trade.Meanwhile, the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways said that 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Of these, 24 vessels carrying 677 Indian seafarers are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four vessels with 101 Indian crew members are positioned east of the strait. The ministry said a 24-hour control room has been operating since February 28 at the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate assistance if required. Authorities are also working with Indian embassies, ship managers and recruitment agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.
