Gujarat Port Receives Second LPG Carrier Amidst West Asia Tensions

LPG Carrier Nanda Devi Reaches Vadinar Port Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions​

Second LPG Shipment Safely Arrives in Gujarat​

India’s second liquefied petroleum gas carrier, Nanda Devi, reached Vadinar port in Gujarat on March 17, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of LPG after successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

The vessel docked at Vadinar in Devbhumi Dwarka district, marking another key arrival following the safe berthing of the first ship, Shivalik, at Mundra port a day earlier.

Ship-to-Ship Transfer Operations Underway​

Authorities have initiated preparations to transfer the LPG cargo from Nanda Devi to a daughter vessel, BW Birch. The transferred cargo will then be distributed to Ennore port in Tamil Nadu and Haldia port in West Bengal along the eastern coast.

According to Deendayal Port Authority Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh, the transfer operation will proceed at a rate of 1,000 tonnes per hour and is expected to take approximately two days to complete.

He stated that the Vadinar port authority is working under directives from the Ministry of Ports to ensure maximum operational efficiency and expedited handling of LPG shipments.

Priority Handling for LPG Vessels​

Officials confirmed that LPG vessels are now being given top priority under current directives. The aim is to streamline transfer and discharge processes while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols.

Singh noted that ship-to-ship transfers are a standard procedure at Vadinar. However, the current instructions emphasize faster execution without compromising safety.

Multiple agencies are closely monitoring operations, and the daughter vessel is expected to berth alongside Nanda Devi upon arrival to begin cargo transfer.

Strait of Hormuz Passage Amid Regional Conflict​

Both Nanda Devi and Shivalik navigated through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and other countries in the region.

The route remains a critical transit corridor for global energy supplies, and disruptions have affected shipment flows.

Impact on India’s Energy Imports​

India remains heavily dependent on imports for its energy needs, including about 88 percent of crude oil, 50 percent of natural gas, and 60 percent of LPG.

Prior to recent developments, a significant share of these imports originated from Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The ongoing conflict and resulting blockade in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted supplies.

While crude oil sourcing has been partly adjusted through alternative suppliers, gas supplies to industrial users have been reduced. LPG availability has also been impacted, particularly for commercial establishments like hotels and restaurants.

Indian Vessels in the Persian Gulf​

Officials indicated that 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf. Efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe passage amid the evolving situation in the region.