New Delhi: The Indian-flagged LPG carrier Green Asha has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the eighth such vessel to cross the strategic waterway since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28, official sources said on Monday.
The development comes days after another Indian carrier, Green Sanvi, safely passed through the same route on Friday night, carrying approximately 46,650 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Earlier, on March 28, a major LPG shipment of around 47,000 metric tonnes reached the Vadinar Terminal at Kandla Port in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The vessel, MT Jag Vasant, is now scheduled to transfer its cargo to another ship through a ship-to-ship (STS) operation at anchorage.
Sources said Indian Navy warships remain on standby to assist merchant vessels navigating the sensitive route. The Centre is also engaged in diplomatic talks with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage for Indian ships amid a maritime blockade linked to the ongoing conflict.
According to officials, 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying around 485 seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
At a joint inter-ministerial briefing, officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that all Indian vessels and crew in the region remain safe. Continuous coordination is being maintained with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and other maritime stakeholders.
The government has also facilitated the return of over 964 Indian seafarers so far, while ports across the country continue to operate normally. Additionally, around 5.98 lakh passengers have returned to India amid the evolving security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region.
