Went dark on a shadow voyage: How India-bound vessel crossed Strait of Hormuz | India News
NEW DELHI: One of the first crude oil tankers arrived at Mumbai Port after passing through the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran-US conflict began.According to news agency ANI, the Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax docked at Mumbai Port at 1 pm on Wednesday and was berthed at Jawahar Dweep at 6:06 pm. The tanker had loaded crude from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura port on March 1 and departed on March 3.It is carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude oil, which will be supplied to refineries in Mahul, eastern Mumbai. The crude discharge process is expected to take around 36 hours.The tanker is owned by Shenlong Shipping Ltd and managed by Dynacom Tanker Management Ltd of Athens. The ship has 29 crew members, including Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino nationals, and is captained by an Indian.How the vessel crossed the Strait of HormuzMaritime tracking data showed the vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on March 8 before it temporarily went off tracking systems. According to ANI, the vessel switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponder while navigating the high-risk stretch of the strait.After navigating the high-risk area, the vessel reappeared on maritime tracking systems on March 9. Shipping companies often use this tactic, also known as “going dark,” to avoid the risk of being targeted or tracked.The transponder is a mandatory maritime VHF radio system that automatically broadcasts a ship’s identity, position, speed, and course to nearby vessels and shore stations to prevent collisions and improve navigation.Earlier, Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said vessels seeking to sail through the waterway must obtain Tehran’s approval. In a post on X, he said two ships that ignored Iran’s warnings were targeted on Wednesday.“Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, who today, trusting in empty promises, ignored the warnings and intended to cross the strait but were caught. Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian general said.Iranian state media reported that Tehran has intensified restrictions on shipping through the strait, while stating that vessels not serving the interests of the United States or Israel would be allowed safe passage.The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with more than 20 million barrels of crude oil moving through the narrow channel between Iran and Oman every day — about a fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of seaborne oil trade.Meanwhile, the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways said that 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Of these, 24 vessels carrying 677 Indian seafarers are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four vessels with 101 Indian crew members are positioned east of the strait.The ministry said a 24-hour control room has been operating since February 28 at the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate assistance if required.Authorities are also working with Indian embassies, ship managers, and recruitment agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.
