Three Indian tankers cross Strait of Hormuz in landmark transit
Three Indian-flagged tankers—Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald—carrying a combined 8.6 lakh tonnes of crude oil successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. This marks the highest number of Indian ships to transit the strategic waterway in a single day since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28.
With this transit, a total of 18 India-bound vessels—13 Indian and five foreign-flagged—have now crossed the route. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that the three tankers carry 94 Indian crew members, stating, “The government is working on highest priority to secure India's maritime interests and to guarantee safety of seafarers and energy lifelines.”
Sanmar Herald’s second attempt after April attack
The Sanmar Herald had been attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on April 18 during a previous attempt to transit the strait, after reportedly receiving clearance. This time, it successfully crossed and is scheduled to reach Paradip port on July 1, according to a shipping ministry official.
US blockade ends, Tehran eases restrictions
The ships sailed through the Strait after the United States officially ended its blockade of Iranian ports, and Tehran eased restrictions on vessel movements following a peace deal. Ship tracking portal Marinetraffic shows two more India-bound vessels—container carrier SSL Kaveri and crude carrier Desh Suraksha—waiting near the strait.
31 India-bound ships still stuck in Persian Gulf
A total of 31 India-bound ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, including 16 loaded with fertiliser. Officials said Desh Vaibhav is scheduled to reach Vadinar in Gujarat on June 24, while Desh Vibhor will arrive at Sikka, Gujarat, also on June 24. “We are hopeful of India-bound ships safely transiting the strait. That will bring huge relief to hundreds of our seafarers who have been stuck for over three months,” said an official.
Increased traffic since peace deal
Movement of ships in the region and the strait has increased since the two sides announced the peace deal. On Thursday alone, 25 commercial vessels crossed the reopened Strait of Hormuz, the highest number since mid-April.
