Gujarat’s Vadinar port welcomed the Indian gas carrier Nanda Devi on Tuesday, laden with LPG crucial for the nation’s daily needs. The vessel docked around 11:25 AM, following in the footsteps of Shivalik, which arrived at nearby Mundra a day earlier. This back-to-back success story unfolds against the backdrop of volatile conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s military posturing has throttled commercial shipping through the strait since late February, complicating voyages for energy imports. Yet, with permissions granted by Iranian authorities, both ships made it through unscathed, delivering much-needed relief to India’s import-dependent energy sector.
To counter potential bottlenecks, Kandla port officials mandated priority anchoring for LPG vessels, aiming to accelerate cargo discharge. Echoing this, the Deendayal Port Authority issued a circular directing agents to fast-track procedures, all in line with central government directives to maintain steady LPG flows for cooking gas and industry.
The Shivalik’s journey from Qatar, hauling 46,000 tons over nine days, exemplified efficiency—Monday’s docking at Mundra proceeded without a hitch, thanks to proactive preparations. Nanda Devi’s timely arrival further strengthens supply lines, with the UAE-bound Jag Ladki carrying 81,000 tons of crude oil now approaching.
Official records indicate 22 Indian vessels lingering west of the strait, crewed by 611 mariners, as authorities monitor the situation closely. These developments not only avert shortages but also demonstrate India’s strategic navigation of international flashpoints, ensuring energy security for millions of households and businesses.