Mumbai: Amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has identified 18 vessels trapped in the conflict-hit waters for urgent evacuation. The move comes as India steps up efforts to safeguard its maritime assets and seafarers amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis affecting shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a report submitted by the Directorate of Shipping in Mumbai, the identified vessels include four LPG carriers, three LNG carriers, and eleven crude oil tankers. Among them, five ships are Indian-flagged vessels.
Multiple Agencies Coordinating Rescue Effort
The evacuation plan is being coordinated jointly by several government agencies, including:
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)
- Directorate of Naval Operations (DNO)
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)
- Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)
Officials confirmed that the Indian Navy will escort the vessels to ensure their safe passage out of the volatile region.
Indian Vessels Still in the Region
The report highlighted that 15 Indian vessels are currently located in the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz. In addition:
- 3 vessels are positioned in the Gulf of Oman, east of the Strait of Hormuz
- 3 vessels are in the Gulf of Aden
- 2 vessels are operating in the Red Sea
Among the ships stranded in the Persian Gulf are six crude oil tankers belonging to the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).
LPG Carrier Green Asha Nearing Mumbai
Meanwhile, the LPG carrier Green Asha, which successfully passed north of the Strait of Hormuz on April 5, is currently sailing toward Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) near Mumbai. The vessel is expected to arrive early Thursday morning.
Authorities have directed all Indian ports to provide priority berthing for LPG carriers, ensuring that essential cooking gas supplies reach the country without delay.
Thousands of Indian Seafarers Affected
The report also revealed that around 20,000 Indian seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf region due to the crisis.
Out of them:
- 475 seafarers are on Indian-flagged ships
- 397 in the Persian Gulf
- 78 in the Gulf of Oman
So far, 1,754 Indian seafarers have been evacuated by various shipping companies from the Gulf region as of April 8.
Cargo Pile-Up at Indian Ports
The ongoing disruption in maritime routes has also caused a backlog at Indian ports. The report states that about 1,06,890 TEUs of container cargo are currently piled up across various ports in the country.
Additionally, 3,724 tonnes of perishable cargo remain stuck due to delays in shipping operations.
To avoid congestion, Indian ports have temporarily suspended export cargo movements destined for Gulf countries.
Measures to Ease Port Congestion
Authorities are also considering financial relief measures for affected vessels, including:
- Possible waivers or concessions on anchorage charges
- Reduced berth hire charges for ships forced to remain longer at ports
Ports have also been instructed to provide safe anchorage areas for loaded vessels bound for the Gulf region that are currently unable to sail due to the security situation.
Shipping Routes Under Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy shipping corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption in this region can have a major impact on global energy markets and maritime trade.
Indian authorities continue to closely monitor the situation while coordinating evacuation efforts to ensure the safety of ships, cargo, and seafarers.
