Nanda Devi Arrives at Vadinar Port With 46,500 Metric Tonnes of LPG
Indian LPG vessel Nanda Devi docks at Vadinar with 46,500 MT fuel, strengthening energy security.
In a significant boost to India’s energy security, the Indian-flagged LPG carrier Nanda Devi docked at Vadinar Port in Gujarat on Tuesday, March 17, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The vessel’s arrival marks only the second successful transit of an Indian ship through the Strait of Hormuz since recent escalations in the region, highlighting a major logistical achievement for the country.
Unloading operations began immediately, with a ship-to-ship transfer of fuel to the smaller ‘daughter’ vessel, MT BW Birch, under the supervision of the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA). DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh boarded the Nanda Devi to coordinate the operation, emphasizing the high-priority nature of the mission. This comes just 24 hours after the LPG carrier Shivalik arrived at Mundra Port, delivering an additional 46,000 metric tonnes of gas destined for markets in Gujarat and Karnataka.
The Nanda Devi’s Chief Officer credited the safe transit to a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Shipping Corporation of India, supported by rare naval cooperation. Both the Indian and Iranian navies assisted in ensuring the vessel passed safely through the blockaded strait. “This will help in the worldwide crisis of LPG,” he said, referring to global supply strains caused by regional conflicts.
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Further reassurance came from Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, who confirmed that another Indian vessel, Jag Laadki, is en route from the UAE carrying 81,000 tonnes of crude oil. Government data indicate that 22 Indian-flagged vessels are currently active in the Persian Gulf, with all 611 seafarers stationed there reported safe and no security incidents recorded in the past 24 hours.
The successful arrival of the Nanda Devi is expected to ease domestic fuel shortages and curb rising LPG prices, offering relief to households and industries across Gujarat, Karnataka, and other parts of India. Authorities have stressed the continued monitoring of maritime routes and coordinated logistics to safeguard energy supplies amid ongoing regional tensions.
This operation underscores India’s growing capacity to manage critical energy shipments independently, ensuring both domestic stability and resilience against global supply disruptions.
Also Read: SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Criticises Government Amid LPG Supply Crisis
