First oil tanker reaches India since US-Iran war disrupted supplies
What's the story
A Liberian-flagged tanker, the Shenlong, carrying over 135,000 metric tons of Saudi crude oil has reached Mumbai. This is the first India-bound vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began on February 28. The tanker had loaded its cargo at Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia on March 1 and left two days later.
Voyage details
Tanker went 'dark' to avoid detection
The last known location of the Shenlong in the Strait of Hormuz was on March 8, maritime intelligence firms Lloyd's List Intelligence and TankerTrackers reported. The tanker then went "dark" by turning off its transponders and Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection. It reappeared on tracking databases on March 9. The vessel reached Mumbai port at 1:00pm on Wednesday and was berthed by early evening.
Cargo discharge
Ship has 29 crew members
Praveen Singh, deputy conservator of Mumbai Port Authority, confirmed the tanker is discharging its crude cargo at Jawahar Dweep. The crude oil is destined for refineries in Mahul, eastern Mumbai. Jitendra Jadhav from Atlantic Global Shipping also confirmed that the ship has 29 crew members from India, Pakistan and Philippines with Indian captain Sukshant Singh Sandhu.
Ongoing risks
Indian shipping remains risky in region
Despite the safe arrival of the Shenlong, Indian shipping in the region remains risky. India's Directorate General of Shipping reports 28 Indian-flagged vessels are still in or near the strait. Seven vessels have moved to safer waters in recent days, while one has headed toward Angola. Many ships are now switching off AIS transponders or using Chinese identities due to widespread spoofing and jamming in the area.
Official response
Thai-flagged ship attacked in Strait of Hormuz
In a separate incident, a Thai-flagged bulk carrier headed for India was attacked in the strait. The Mayuree Naree suffered damage and caught fire, prompting an emergency rescue operation. India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned these attacks, saying "India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia."