The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Shenlong loaded with Saudi crude oil entered India through the Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI: A crude oil tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz has arrived at the port of Mumbai, becoming one of the first vessels to reach India via the crucial shipping lane amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The Liberian-flagged Shenlong Suezmax tanker, piloted by an Indian national and carrying crude oil loaded in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday, the Mumbai Port Trust said, ANI reported.

Authorities said Iran had given the vessel permission to pass through the strategic waterway, which has seen a sharp decline in shipping activity amid conflicts between the United States, Israel and Iran. Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian-flagged vessels to pass safely through the strait, sources said, even as maritime traffic in the area has slowed significantly since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. The Shenlong Suezmax tanker that departed from Ras Tanura on March 1 completed its journey to Mumbai after receiving permission to pass through the narrow shipping corridor.Iran has tightened its control over shipping in the strait in recent days. Alireza Donsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, said ships trying to pass through the waterway must obtain Tehran’s approval. He said in a post on X that two ships that ignored Iran’s warnings were targeted on Wednesday.“Can these ships safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz? This question should be asked of the crews of the ships “Roma Express” and “Mayuri Naray” who today believed in empty promises, ignored warnings, intended to cross the Strait of Hormuz, and were caught. Any ship intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian general said.Iranian state media reported that Tehran has tightened restrictions on shipping through the strait, while saying ships that do not serve U.S. or Israeli interests will be allowed to pass safely. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with more than 20 million barrels of crude oil passing through the narrow channel between Iran and Oman every day, accounting for about a fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of seaborne oil trade.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Among them, 24 ships carrying 677 Indian crew members are located to the west of the Strait of Hormuz, while 4 ships carrying 101 Indian crew members are located to the east of the Strait. The ministry said the 24-hour control room of the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping has been operational since February 28 to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate assistance if needed. The authorities are also working with the Indian Embassy, ​​ship management companies and recruitment agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the area.