An Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Jag Laadki carrying thousands of tonnes of crude oil is expected to reach India safely on Tuesday after navigating through tense waters in the Middle East. The vessel managed to leave the UAE’s Fujairah port despite a recent attack that raised security concerns across the region, officials confirmed on Monday.
The tanker, Jag Laadki, is transporting approximately 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil from the United Arab Emirates. According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the ship departed without incident and is scheduled to arrive at Mundra Port in Gujarat. He also confirmed that all 22 Indian seafarers onboard are safe, bringing relief to their families and maritime authorities.
Jag Laadki successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important and sensitive shipping lanes. The narrow waterway has witnessed heightened tension recently due to regional conflict, raising concerns about the safety of international shipping and oil transport.
The tanker is the fourth Indian vessel to safely move out of the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz over the past two weeks. A total of 28 Indian ships had been stranded in the region after tensions escalated, forcing many vessels to delay their movement through the busy maritime corridor.
Officials said that 22 Indian-flagged ships with around 611 seafarers are still in the western Persian Gulf. The government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with maritime agencies to ensure the safe movement of these vessels.
Meanwhile, two LPG carriers that were stranded in the region have already begun their journey toward India. One of the vessels, Shivalik, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat where authorities arranged priority clearance and unloading. Another LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, is expected to arrive at Kandla Port on Tuesday morning.
Together, the two ships are carrying about 92,712 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, which is roughly equivalent to India’s one-day cooking gas requirement. Their arrival is expected to ease supply concerns amid the tense situation in the Gulf.
Another Indian tanker, Jag Prakash, also managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz recently. The ship had loaded gasoline from Sohar port in Oman and is currently sailing toward Tanga in Tanzania. It is expected to reach the African port on March 21.
Also Read
Badshah Tateeree Song Row: Haryana Women’s Panel Orders Police Action After Rapper Skips Hearing
Officials said Jag Laadki and Jag Prakash were among the vessels positioned on the eastern side of the strait that successfully navigated to safer waters. Authorities are continuing efforts to help the remaining Indian ships pass through the area safely.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital oil transit routes, with a significant portion of global crude shipments passing through it every day. Any disruption in the region can impact international energy markets and maritime trade, which is why governments and shipping companies are closely watching the developments.
For now, the safe journey of Jag Laadki and its crew offers a sense of relief amid the ongoing uncertainty in the Gulf waters.