New Delhi: Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers carrying over 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo and 94 Indian crew members successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are now headed towards India, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.The development comes days after the United States lifted its blockade on Iran and allowed oil tankers to resume movement through the strategically important waterway following a temporary agreement aimed at ending the Iran conflict.In a post on Twitter, Sonowal said the three ships, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald, have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to Indian ports.“Three Indian flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald, carrying over 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo with 94 Indian crew members, have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz today and are on their way to India,” Sonowal said.He said the government is working to protect India’s maritime and energy interests. He said, “Under the decisive leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi Ji, the Government of India is working to secure India’s maritime interests on top priority. Our Ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to guarantee complete safety of India’s seafarers and energy lifelines.”
Tankers are set to reach Indian ports next week
According to news agency PTI, Desh Vaibhav is expected to reach Vadinar port on June 24, while Desh Vibhor is scheduled to reach Sikka port on the same day. The third tanker, Sanmar Herald, is expected to reach Paradip on July 1.The ships’ successful passage comes amid an improvement in shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Shipping traffic increased despite tensions
According to Reuters, the United States military said commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased on June 20, with more than 17 million barrels of oil moving through the waterway during the day.US Central Command (CENTCOM) said 55 commercial vessels transited the strait on Saturday and safe passage was maintained.“US forces remain present and on alert to ensure full force and effect that all aspects of the agreement with Iran are implemented,” CENTCOM said.The comments came shortly after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the strait after Israel and the United States accused Israel of violating the US-Iran ceasefire.However, US Vice President JD Vance earlier said he had seen no evidence of the waterway being closed and expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold.