New Delhi: Iran has allowed another India-flagged vessel, the MT Green Asha, to cross the Strait of Hormuz, even as the conflict in the region continues.
The MT Green Asha, carrying about 20,000 Tons of LPG, is the ninth India-flagged tanker to be allowed by Iran to cross the Strait, considered one of the world’s most crucial oil routes. Movement of vessels through this narrow passage, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, have been disrupted since February 28, when the US and Iran carried out airstrikes against Iran.
The MT Green Asha is a mid-sized Gas carrier owned by MOL India, The Indian Express has reported. This company is the Indian subsidiary of the Japan-based Mitsui OSK Lines. It has a deadweight tonnage of nearly 26,000 Tons.
Iran’s stranglehold over the Strait has affected global fuel supplies, causing a major upheaval in energy markets. Maritime data shows that 60 per cent of commodity-carrying ships using the route after the conflict started, have either originated from Iran or were headed there.
India has seen a relatively high number of vessels using the route, thanks to relations between the two countries. At least eight Indian ships had crossed the Strait before MT Green Asha’s transit.
Recently, two Indian LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, moved through the conflict zone carrying around 94,000 tonnes of cargo.
Four Indian-flagged LPG tankers – Pine Gas and Jag Vasant – delivered 92,612 tonnes of LPG between March 26 and 28. Earlier, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi carried about 92,712 tonnes of LPG to Mundra Port in Gujarat and Kandla Port on March 16 and 17.
MT Jag Laadki, an oil tanker, transported 80,886 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE to Mundra on March 18, while MT Jag Prakash safely crossed the strait carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa.
Other vessels that have transited safely include Shivalik, Nanda Devi, and Green Sanvi. The Green Sanvi crossed the strait on Friday night with about 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG, as reported by News18.
Indian Navy warships are patrolling international waters to provide assistance and escort these vessels to Indian territory, as part of Operation Urja Suraksha.
India has also been in talks with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage for its vessels amid the maritime blockade linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“Non-hostile vessels” would be allowed to pass through the strait if they cooperate with the authorities, Iran had earlier told the International Maritime Organisation. However, ships linked to the US, Israel, or others involved in the conflict would not qualify for such passage.
Iran has also hinted at expanding pressure beyond Hormuz. A senior Iranian lawmaker suggested that Tehran could target the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical global shipping route.
