Liberian flagged ship from Saudi port docks at Mumbai amid West Asia tensions

A Liberianflagged crude oil tanker captained by an Indian has safely arrived at Mumbai port after transiting through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz even as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia following recent military developments involving Iran the United States and Israel reported news agency ANIThe vessel Shenlong Suezmax carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabiarsquos Ras Tanura port docked at Mumbai port on Wednesday after receiving clearance from Iranian authorities to pass through the narrow maritime corridor according to officials from the Mumbai Port Trust reported ANITanker sails through Strait of Hormuz with Iranian clearanceThe tanker had departed from the Saudi port of Ras Tanura on March 1 and successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz before arriving in Mumbai Authorities confirmed that the vessel was granted permission by Iran to pass through the critical waterway which has seen heightened security concerns following recent military tensions in the regionThe Strait of Hormuz is one of the worldrsquos most vital energy shipping routes linking the Persian Gulf to global markets The safe passage of the tanker comes at a time when maritime traffic in the area has been significantly affected by the escalating geopolitical situationIran tightens restrictions on vessels in strategic waterwayIran has recently intensified monitoring and restrictions on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz According to Iranian officials vessels must obtain prior approval from Tehran before transiting through the strategic passage reported ANIRear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri commander of Iranrsquos Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps IRGC Naval Force warned that ships ignoring Iranian directives could face military action In a statement posted on X he claimed that two vessels mdash Express Rome and Mayuree Naree mdash were targeted after allegedly ignoring warnings and attempting to pass through the strait without permission reported ANIIranian authorities have also indicated that ships not aligned with the interests of the United States and Israel may be allowed to transit safely through the waterwayGlobal oil trade heavily dependent on Strait of HormuzMore than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz every day making it one of the most critical chokepoints for global energy supplies The volume represents roughly onefifth of the worldrsquos daily oil consumption and nearly a quarter of global seaborne oil tradeIn addition to crude oil shipments a substantial portion of the worldrsquos liquefied natural gas also moves through this route Any disruption in traffic through the narrow channel separating Iran and Oman can have immediate ripple effects on global energy markets supply chains and fuel prices worldwide reported ANIIndia monitoring safety of seafarers and vesselsAmid the evolving maritime situation Indiarsquos Shipping Ministry has said that the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels in the Persian Gulf region is being closely monitored reported ANIAccording to the ministry 28 Indianflagged ships are currently operating in the region Of these 24 vessels carrying 677 Indian seafarers are located west of the Strait of Hormuz while four vessels with 101 Indian crew members are operating east of the strait reported ANIAuthorities have set up a 24hour control room in the Shipping Ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28 to monitor developments and coordinate assistance if requiredGovernment coordinating with embassies and maritime agenciesThe ministry said Indian authorities ship management companies and recruitment agencies are working closely with Indian embassies and local officials in the region to ensure the safety of seafarers reported ANIOfficials added that the government remains committed to safeguarding Indian maritime interests and ensuring the welfare of Indian crew members working aboard vessels in sensitive international watersWith inputs from ANI