Relief for India amid Middle East tension: Another LPG vessel ‘Sarvashakti’ crosses the Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi, 3 May. Another Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) vessel belonging to India has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow sea route in the Persian Gulf. It is noteworthy that the LPG vessel belonging to India has crossed the Strait of Hormuz at a time when there is continuous tension between America and Iran, due to which the movement through the strait has almost come to a halt. It is considered a very important sea route because about 20 percent of the world’s crude oil is exported through it.

vessel ‘Sarvashakti’ is bringing about 45,000 tonnes of LPG

According to ship tracking data, the Marshall Islands-flagged ship, ‘Sarvashakti’, which was carrying about 45,000 tonnes of LPG, commonly used as cooking fuel, was seen entering the Gulf of Oman after passing near Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands on Saturday. It is believed that this ship is heading towards India. Sarvshakti, a giant gas carrier, has previously operated on routes between the Persian Gulf and Indian ports.

Expected to reach Visakhapatnam coast by 13th May

There are 20 crew members including 18 Indians on the ship. It is expected to reach Visakhapatnam coast on May 13. It has been taken on rent by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). However, the company has not yet officially confirmed it.

First voyage of a ship belonging to India in two weeks after the US blockade

It is noteworthy that as part of the security protocols widely adopted by ships operating in the region since the start of the Iran-related conflict, the ship is currently broadcasting details of its Indian destination and crew. This ship is being considered very important as it is the first visit of a ship belonging to India in two weeks after the US-led blockade started targeting ships belonging to Iran.

These sanctions had reduced tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to almost zero, disrupting one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The Almighty is one of the largest ships to have traveled the route since the brief and disorganized reopening of the strait last month, shortly after new restrictions were imposed.

According to reports last month, the first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict in West Asia began on February 28, indicating an easing of the blockade.

According to ship tracking data, the LNG tanker Mubaraj – which loaded cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s Das Dweep plant in early March – passed the southern tip of India. The ship remained inactive in the Persian Gulf for several weeks and had stopped sending signals since about March 31, after which it reappeared west of India on Monday.