Indian ships sail safely amid Gulf crisis
An Indian-flagged crude tanker, Jag Laadki, sailed safely from the UAE’s Fujairah on Sunday after loading about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil, despite an attack on the oil terminal. The vessel, bound for India, carried all crew members safely, marking the fourth Indian-flagged ship to exit the conflict zone unharmed.
“The vessel and all Indian seafarers onboard are safe,” the Government said, highlighting the cargo’s critical importance as shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz have affected India’s energy supplies.
On Saturday, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG, crossed the strait safely. Shivalik is due at Mundra port on March 16, and Nanda Devi at Kandla on March 17.
Another tanker, Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Tanzania, crossed the strait on Friday and is expected in Tanga on March 21.
Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers remain on the west side of the Persian Gulf. The Government said maritime operations are being closely monitored and that the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) continues coordination with ship owners, agencies, and Indian missions. So far, 276 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated, including 23 in the past 24 hours.
