Mumbai, Mar 12: Against all odds in the Iran-US showdown, a Liberia-flagged beast called Shenlong Suezmax just pulled off the impossible—sailing Saudi crude straight through the Strait of Hormuz and docking safe at Mumbai Port. It’s the first India-bound tanker since the conflict erupted, carrying 1.35 lakh tonnes of oil for Mahul refineries.
Loaded up at Ras Tanura on March 1, it ghosted through the strait on March 8— AIS transponder mysteriously off to dodge trouble—then popped back online March 9. Berthed at Jawahar Dweep by evening, unloading’s underway for the next day-and-a-half. Crew of 29 (Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Indian captain) breathed easy.
Iran’s IRGC boss Alireza Tangsiri laid down the law on X: No passage without Tehran’s nod, or you’re fair game. Two ships—Express Rome and Mayuree Naree—ignored warnings and got zapped Wednesday. Iran’s line? Safe sailing for non-US/Israel allies. That strait funnels 20% of world oil—when it hiccups, your fuel bill feels it.
India’s on it: Shipping Ministry tracking 28 Indian vessels nearby (677 crew west of strait, 101 east), 24/7 control room humming since Feb 28. Close coordination with embassies keeps our seafarers safe amid the chaos.
A tense win for energy-starved India—hoping more tankers follow suit.
