44 India-Bound Ships Safely Cross Hormuz Since Conflict Escalation

Nine vessels, including seven carrying cargo destined for India, have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 72 hours, bringing the total number of India-bound ships to have crossed since the outbreak of hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran on February 28 to 44. The strait, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, with about a fifth of the world's oil passing through it daily.

Of the nine ships that crossed in the three-day period ending Saturday, four are India-flagged and five are foreign-flagged. The vessels carried a mix of commodities including fertilisers, crude oil, and general cargo. Notably, the India-flagged bulk carrier APJ Priti 2, loaded with 65,000 tonnes of fertilisers, crossed the strait on Saturday. The previous day, Desh Suraksha, carrying just over 100,000 tonnes of crude oil, and Prabhu Parvati, with 18,732 tonnes of cargo, also completed their passage.

Another 15 ships of Indian interest remain in the Persian Gulf awaiting safe passage. Among these, 10 are India-flagged vessels, including four carrying fertilisers and one energy cargo ship. The situation follows heightened tensions in West Asia after the US launched strikes against Iran in response to a ship attack in the strait on Thursday, to which Iran retaliated.

Data on ship movements indicates a significant uptick in transits since a memorandum of understanding was signed between Iran and the US on June 17. Between March 1 and June 17, only 19 India-bound ships crossed the strait, but in the subsequent 10 days, the number rose by 25, reaching the current total of 44.

Since March 1, the cargo profile of ships that have crossed includes 15 bulk carriers, 13 LPG carriers, 11 crude tankers, and two LNG carriers. The strait remains a secure passage for commercial shipping despite the geopolitical tensions, according to sources tracking maritime traffic.