An India-affiliated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, Sarv Shakti, has successfully traversed the crucial Strait of Hormuz, a significant journey amidst escalated tensions and disruptions in global energy supplies. The vessel, flagged by the Marshall Islands, is carrying approximately 45,000 tonnes of LPG, commonly used for cooking purposes, and has been tracked entering the Gulf of Oman after passing near Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands. Sarv Shakti, a large gas carrier, has a history of operating between the Persian Gulf and Indian ports and is currently en route to India.
The tanker is adhering to safety protocols by broadcasting its Indian destination and crew details, a practice commonly observed by vessels navigating the region due to ongoing conflicts involving Iran. This voyage by Sarv Shakti is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first documented passage by an India-linked tanker since the initiation of a US-led blockade targeting vessels associated with Iran. The restrictions imposed had significantly decreased tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, causing disruptions in one of the world’s crucial energy passages.
Sarv Shakti is among the largest carriers to travel this route following a brief reopening of the strait last month, which was swiftly followed by renewed restrictions. In a separate development last month, reports indicated that the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment, amidst the West Asia conflict that began on February 28, had seemingly crossed the Strait of Hormuz, hinting at progress in a key global energy chokepoint. The LNG tanker Mubaraz, which had loaded cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co’s Das Island facility in early March, was observed passing the southern tip of India as per ship-tracking data.
