The Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker Shenlong Suezmax arrived safely at the Mumbai Port on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The vessel was carrying 135,335 metric tonnes of crude oil from the Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia. This arrival is significant as it represents the first India-bound crude shipment to navigate the Strait of Hormuz since the recent escalation of hostilities in West Asia involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
The ship was captained by Sukshant Singh Sandhu, an Indian national, and managed by a crew of 29 members comprising Indians, Pakistanis, and Filipinos. After entering the Mumbai Port at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, it was berthed at Jawahar Dweep by 6:06 PM. The cargo discharge process began on March 12 and is expected to take around 36 hours to complete.
Timeline of the Shenlong Suezmax Journey
The vessel followed a strict schedule to ensure its safe arrival at the Indian coast despite the maritime challenges in the Gulf region.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1, 2026 | Loaded crude oil at Ras Tanura port, Saudi Arabia |
| March 3, 2026 | Departed from Saudi Arabia for Mumbai |
| March 8, 2026 | Entered the Strait of Hormuz and briefly deactivated AIS transponders |
| March 11, 2026 | Arrived at Mumbai Port and berthed at Jawahar Dweep |
| March 12, 2026 | Commenced cargo discharge operations |
Security Protocols and Diplomatic Safety
The successful passage of the ship follows high-level diplomatic talks between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Although Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has mandated that all vessels must obtain approval to cross the Strait of Hormuz, sources indicate that Indian-flagged vessels have been granted safe passage status. This comes at a time when 28 other Indian-flagged ships remain lingering or trapped near the strait due to ongoing security risks.
- Shipping Costs: Freight earnings for Suezmax tankers have reached $129,000 per day due to geopolitical stress.
- Industrial Impact: Blockades in the region have caused a 30% spike in raw material costs for Indian companies.
- Official Stance: The Ministry of External Affairs has called for the protection of civilian crews and the freedom of navigation in international waters.
