Indian Tanker First to Cross Strait of Hormuz After Ceasefire
An Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, named Jag Vikram, has made history as the first Indian ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since a temporary ceasefire was announced between the United States and Iran. This passage occurred between Friday night and Saturday morning, with the tanker entering the Gulf of Oman by Saturday afternoon.
Government officials confirmed the journey, stating that Jag Vikram is transporting around 20,400 tonnes of LPG. The ship, which has a crew of 24, is expected to arrive in Mumbai by April 15, 2026. The tanker belongs to the Great Eastern Shipping Company, based in Mumbai, and has a deadweight capacity of over 26,000 tonnes.
The successful transit is a notable event after weeks of turmoil in the region. Jag Vikram is the ninth Indian vessel to safely leave the Persian Gulf since early March. However, around 15 other India-flagged ships are still awaiting safe passage in the area. At the start of the West Asia conflict, about 28 Indian vessels were navigating the Strait of Hormuz, with some managing to escape prior to this latest crossing.
MarineTraffic data shows that hundreds of ships are still in the region, including 426 tankers, 34 LPG carriers, and 19 LNG vessels, many of which have been left stranded due to the ensuing disruption. Notably, several foreign-flagged ships carrying cargo destined for India are also still trying to exit the Gulf.
Despite these challenges, India’s port operations are running normally, with no significant congestion reported. The government has stated that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs and maritime stakeholders to ensure the welfare of seafarers and maintain smooth operations.
India relies heavily on energy imports, with about 88% of its crude oil and around half of its natural gas needs coming from abroad. A significant portion of these supplies passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a vital energy corridor for the nation.
