First India-bound crude tanker passes through Hormuz amid Iran–US war

The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax, a crude oil tanker has successfully navigated the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz and arrived at Mumbai Port, becoming the first such vessel bound for India to complete the route since tensions escalated between Iran and the United States.

This tanker was docked at Mumbai Port on Wednesday afternoon before berthing at Jawahar Dweep, an offshore oil Terminal, later in the evening. The vessel is transporting 135,335 metric tonnes of crude oil, which will be supplied to refineries in the Mahul industrial area in eastern Mumbai. The discharge process is expected to take around 36 hours. Reported by ANI.

The tanker had loaded crude from the Ras Tanura Port, located on the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, one of the world’s largest oil export terminals, on March 1 and departed on March 3. Maritime tracking data showed the vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz on March 8 before it temporarily disappeared from public tracking systems.

According to reports, the ship switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder while navigating the high-risk stretch of the strait and reappeared on tracking platforms the following day. AIS is a mandatory maritime VHF radio system that broadcasts a vessel’s identity, location, speed and course to nearby ships and coastal stations to improve navigation safety and avoid collisions.

The tanker is owned by Shenlong Shipping and managed by Dynacom Tanker Management, based in Athens. It carries 29 crew members, including Indian, Pakistani and Filipino nationals, and is captained by an Indian seafarer.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region after the commander of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must seek approval from Iran or risk being targeted. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Naval Force, said that vessels ignoring such warnings could face action.

Two ships, the cargo vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree were reportedly targeted after attempting to cross the strait despite warnings. The Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree was sailing toward Kandla port in the Indian state of Gujarat.

Iranian state media has also reported tighter restrictions on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, stating that ships not linked to the interests of the United States or Israel would be able to pass safely through the route.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. More than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through the narrow channel each day, representing roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of seaborne oil trade. A significant share of the world’s liquefied natural gas shipments also transit through the same route, meaning any disruption can quickly affect global energy markets and supply chains.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Shipping said 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 24 ships are west of the Strait of Hormuz carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels are east of the strait with 101 Indian crew members on board.

Authorities said a 24-hour control room has been operational since February 28 to monitor developments in the region. The ministry, along with the Directorate General of Shipping, is coordinating with ship managers, recruitment agencies and Indian diplomatic missions to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region.

The successful arrival of the Shenlong tanker highlights the continued strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for India’s energy security, as a significant share of the country’s crude imports originates from the Middle East.