India receives first crude tanker through Strait of Hormuz since Iran–US conflict began

March 12, 2026

India receives oil cargo despite Hormuz tensions

Oil tanker reaches Mumbai despite tensions in Strait of Hormuz

India has received its first crude oil shipment through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel escalated, with a Liberia-flagged tanker safely reaching Mumbai Port on Wednesday.

The vessel, identified as the Shenlong Suezmax, was carrying Saudi crude and had passed through the strategically sensitive waterway where maritime traffic has significantly slowed due to the ongoing tensions.

The tanker, captained by an Indian national, is believed to be the first India-bound ship to transit the route safely since hostilities began in the region.

Meanwhile, two Indian-flagged ships are said to have been allowed to pass through Strait of Hormuz amid Iran-US war, even as most vessels remain stranded over fears being caught in the crossfire that started on February 28.

Tanker carried crude from Saudi Arabia

The Liberia-flagged tanker had loaded crude oil from Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia’s major oil export terminal, on March 1 and began its voyage two days later.

According to maritime tracking data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence and TankerTrackers, the vessel’s last recorded location was inside the Strait of Hormuz on March 8.

During its transit through the sensitive stretch, the tanker reportedly switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) and went “dark” before reappearing on tracking systems a day later.

Vessel carrying over 1.35 lakh tonnes of crude

Officials said the ship reached Mumbai port around 1 pm and was berthed later in the evening at Jawahar Dweep.

“The ship Shenlong is carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude oil and has begun discharging its cargo,” said Praveen Singh of the Mumbai Port Authority.

The crude cargo will be transported to refineries located in Mahul in eastern Mumbai.

The vessel is owned by Shenlong Shipping Ltd and managed by Athens-based Dynacom Tanker Management Ltd.

Crew includes Indian captain

According to shipping officials, the tanker has a multinational crew comprising Indian, Pakistani and Filipino sailors.

The vessel is commanded by Sukshant Singh Sandhu and is expected to take around 36 hours to complete unloading operations.

Handling operations in Mumbai are being managed by Atlantic Global Shipping, a logistics firm involved in the vessel’s port operations.

Concerns remain over oil supply route

The tanker’s safe arrival is likely to ease concerns over energy supply disruptions in India, which depends heavily on oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil trade moves through the narrow waterway, making it one of the most strategically important maritime routes globally.

Despite the successful transit, officials say several vessels remain in the region. According to the Directorate General of Shipping, around 28 Indian-flagged ships are still located in or near the strait since the conflict began.

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