First India-bound crude tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz, docks at Mumbai port

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude has successfully reached Mumbai, becoming the first India-bound vessel to cross the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran–US conflict disrupted maritime traffic in the region. The tanker berthed at Mumbai port on Wednesday after safely navigating the strategic waterway where most shipping has largely halted due to escalating tensions.

The vessel, Shenlong Suezmax, had loaded crude from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura port on March 1 and began its journey two days later. Maritime tracking data indicated that the tanker was last detected inside the Strait of Hormuz on March 8 before temporarily disappearing from tracking systems and later reappearing on March 9 as it continued towards India.

Port officials said the tanker reached Mumbai port at around 1 pm on Wednesday and was berthed at Jawahar Dweep by 6.06 pm. The ship is carrying approximately 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude oil, which is being discharged for refineries located in Mahul in eastern Mumbai. Authorities said unloading the cargo is expected to take nearly 36 hours.

The tanker has a crew of 29 members from India, Pakistan and the Philippines and is captained by Indian mariner Sukshant Singh Sandhu. Officials said the vessel’s safe passage offers some relief for India’s energy supply concerns as a large share of the country’s crude and gas imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the successful transit, several Indian ships remain in or near the waterway following the outbreak of hostilities. Shipping authorities have indicated that while there is no official restriction on Indian vessels using the route, ships are being advised to assess security risks carefully before sailing through the region.