Indian LPG tanker exits Hormuz via alternative route under naval escort
New Delhi — An Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tanker navigated an unconventional route to exit the Strait of Hormuz this month under Iranian direction and Indian naval escort, highlighting the disruption to global shipping lanes amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The vessel, Pine Gas, carrying 45,000 metric tons of LPG, took nearly three weeks to leave the Gulf after loading at Ruwais on February 27, a day before hostilities escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Chief Officer Sohan Lal said the crew of 27 Indian nationals witnessed daily missile and drone activity while awaiting clearance. The ship was eventually instructed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to transit through a narrow channel north of Larak Island, instead of standard shipping lanes.
The alternative route was advised due to concerns that the main Hormuz passage had been mined, Lal said. Clearance to proceed was granted only after all crew members consented to the voyage.
Indian authorities coordinated closely with the vessel’s owner, Seven Islands Shipping, before approving the transit. The Indian Navy guided the tanker through the strait and deployed four warships to escort it for nearly 20 hours from the Gulf of Oman into the Arabian Sea.
Officials said no transit fees were paid and Iranian forces did not board the vessel during its passage.Supply concerns and reroutingIndia, heavily reliant on imported LPG for household consumption, has been monitoring shipping risks closely.
The cargo, initially destined for Mangalore, was redirected to ports on the east coast, including Visakhapatnam and Haldia, to manage supply distribution.
New Delhi said six Indian vessels have successfully transited the strait, while 18 ships with about 485 Indian crew remain in the Persian Gulf.
Iran has stated it is permitting passage for vessels from “friendly nations,” including India, as maritime traffic through Hormuz remains restricted.
