The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf amid the continuing regional tensions, with 11 Indian-interest vessels and 148 Indian seafarers currently awaiting safe passage through the strategic waterway.
According to official sources in the Ministry, a total of 57 vessels carrying cargo bound for India have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began in February 2026. These include 21 Indian-flagged vessels and 36 foreign-flagged vessels.
Of the total transits, 19 vessels crossed the Strait between March 1 and June 17, 2026. Following the signing of the Iran–USA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 17, vessel movement accelerated, with 38 additional transits recorded, reflecting an improvement in maritime traffic through the region.
The foreign-flagged vessels comprised nine registered in the Marshall Islands, eight in Liberia, five in Panama, two each in Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Malta and Singapore, and one each in the Cayman Islands, Greece, Gibraltar, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong.
By vessel category, the 57 transits included 25 bulk carriers, 14 LPG carriers, 13 crude oil tankers, two LNG carriers, one container vessel, one oil/chemical tanker and one diving support vessel, underscoring the continued movement of essential energy and commodity cargoes despite the volatile security environment.
11 Indian-Interest Vessels Await Transit
The Ministry has identified 11 vessels of Indian interest currently positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz for evacuation or safe transit.
These comprise seven Indian-flagged vessels and four India-bound foreign-flagged vessels.
Among them are four vessels carrying fertilizer cargo, identified by the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, while the remaining seven vessels have been identified by the Directorate General of Shipping under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Urea Shipment Successfully Crosses Strait
In a positive development, the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier MINOAN COURAGE (IMO No. 9288526) has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel is transporting 47,250 metric tonnes of urea destined for Jaigarh, India, and is manned by a crew of 24 Philippine nationals.
Nearly 4,000 Seafarers Evacuated
As of July 13, shipping companies have evacuated 3,918 seafarers from the affected region as part of ongoing contingency measures.
The Ministry also reported 27 maritime incidents linked to the regional conflict, involving four Indian-flagged vessels and 23 foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew members.
These incidents have resulted in seven fatalities, one presumed dead, four injuries, and one missing person, highlighting the significant risks faced by seafarers operating in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in coordination with the Directorate General of Shipping and other government agencies, continues to closely monitor vessel movements and the safety of Indian seafarers while maintaining constant engagement with shipping companies and relevant stakeholders to ensure the uninterrupted movement of India’s critical imports.
