As many as 30 India-bound ships have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, while another 26 vessels linked to India remain in the Persian Gulf awaiting passage through the strategic waterway.
According to shipping ministry sources cited by The Times of India, vessel movement through the strait has improved in recent days following the US-Iran memorandum of understanding.
Among the 30 ships that have either reached or are heading towards Indian ports, nearly half were carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Eight vessels were transporting bulk cargo, while seven were crude oil tankers.
Officials said shipping activity has gradually picked up after a prolonged period of lower traffic.
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More crossings after US-Iran agreement
The report stated that only 19 India-bound transits took place between March 1 and June 17. However, an additional 11 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz after the signing of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding.
Of the 30 vessels, 17 are foreign-flagged ships. Marshall Islands-flagged vessels account for the largest share, with five ships operating under that registry.
Meanwhile, 26 vessels of Indian interest remain west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. These include both Indian-flagged ships and foreign vessels carrying cargo destined for India.
Among them, three vessels are carrying energy cargo, 10 are transporting fertilisers and 13 are carrying other goods.
Key route for India's energy supplies
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important shipping routes, with nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies passing through it.
For India, the Gulf region is a major source of LPG and LNG imports, making uninterrupted movement through the waterway crucial for energy security.
According to AFP, citing maritime tracking firm Kpler, 25 commodity ships passed through the strait on Tuesday, while another 17 had crossed by 1500 GMT on Wednesday.
“In peacetime, around 120 ships normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz each day, carrying about a fifth of global oil and LNG gas exports, making it one of the world’s most important waterways," AFP reported.
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The report also noted that vessels have started using newly approved International Maritime Organisation evacuation routes, while movements of Very Large Crude Carriers have increased in recent days.
FAQs:
How many India-bound ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz?
30 India-bound ships have safely crossed the waterway.
How many India-linked vessels are still waiting in the Gulf?
26 vessels remain in the Persian Gulf awaiting transit through the strait.
