New Delhi (India) April 4:Green Sanvi, the seventh Indian LPG tanker, successfully crossed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Friday, thus somewhat easing India's energy supply concerns amidst the fears of shortages.
Green Sanvi hauls 44K tonnes LPG
Green Sanvi, the LPG tanker, passed eastwards through the Strait on Friday night while passing through a corridor within the territorial waters of Iran. It was transporting about 44,000 tonnes of LPG, which is approximately half a day of India's pre-conflict consumption.
Tankers that travel this route are taking safety measures, such as announcing their identity and nationality to prevent any confusion. Along with other Indian vessels, Green Sanvi also kept away from the main shipping lane and instead took a longer route between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands, as per the report.
The passage of Green Sanvi demonstrates how India tries to secure energy supply lines despite the disruptions in the region and also shows that joint diplomatic and maritime safety measures are very important for the continuation of trade flows without interruptions.
Six Indian tankers passed earlier
Up to now, six LPG tankers have managed to cross the main shipping route since the US-Iran confrontation was intensified, causing an effective closure of the Strait. LPG carriers like Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, BW Elm, and BW Tyr, have all made their way through the strategic maritime path. The most recent transits were carried out under the strictest collaboration with the Iranian authorities.
17 ships stuck; 2 headed to India
There are 17 more LPG vessels that are currently stuck west of the Strait. Among them, two Green Asha and Jag Vikram, are expected to sail towards India soon. On the other hand, three other LPG vessels are located northeast of Abu Musa Island in the Persian Gulf. They are following Indian Navy instructions and also waiting for transit permission through the Strait of Hormuz.
India urges Iran for safe passage
India has been pushing Iran diplomatically to allow for the safe passage of its commercial ships via the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, which has mostly confined the movement of vessels due to the war in West Asia, stated last week that the non-hostile vessels linked to countries other than the US, Israel, and their allies can make the transit through the strait, provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities.
The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a very important global energy passing point, and making sure that commercial ships can navigate safely is becoming more and more important in view of the geopolitical tensions in the area.