Second LPG Carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ Reaches Vadinar Safely Amid Hormuz Tensions

The vessel docked at Vadinar in Devbhumi Dwarka district, where authorities have initiated preparations for a ship-to-ship transfer of the cargo. According to officials, the LPG will be transferred to a daughter vessel, BW Birch, which will subsequently transport portions of the consignment to Ennore in Tamil Nadu and Haldia in West Bengal.

Deendayal Port Authority Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh stated that the transfer operation would proceed at a rate of approximately 1,000 tonnes per hour and is expected to be completed within two days. He emphasized that the process is part of standard operational protocol at Vadinar, but is currently being executed on priority under directives from the Ministry of Ports.

Singh noted that multiple agencies are closely monitoring all operational parameters to ensure safety and efficiency. The daughter vessel is expected to berth alongside Nanda Devi upon arrival, after which the transfer will begin.     “This is a routine operation for us, but given the current situation, we have been instructed to expedite procedures without compromising safety,” Singh said, adding that efforts are focused on eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring swift cargo discharge.

The development follows the safe arrival of India’s first LPG carrier, Shivalik, at Mundra Port on Monday. Gujarat minister Jitu Vaghani attributed the safe passage of the vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to India’s strong diplomatic ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The backdrop to these developments is heightened geopolitical tension in West Asia, including conflict involving Iran and Israel, which has impacted key energy supply routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit corridor for global energy shipments, has faced disruptions, affecting India’s energy imports.

India relies heavily on imports to meet its energy demands, sourcing approximately 88% of its crude oil, 50% of its natural gas, and 60% of its LPG requirements from abroad. Prior to the recent escalation, a significant share of these imports came from Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The ongoing crisis has forced India to diversify crude sourcing, including increased imports from Russia, while gas supplies to industrial users have been curtailed and LPG availability to commercial establishments reduced.

Officials also confirmed that 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf, with efforts underway to ensure their safe passage amid the evolving security situation.