Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, recently revealed that the Indian-flagged Nanda Devi LPG carrier vessel arrived at the early hours (around 2.30 am) of Tuesday at the Vadinar port in Gujarat. Moreover, the ministry also confirmed that all 22 Indian-flagged vessels associated with the Strait of Hormuz, and the 611 Indian seafarers, are all safe.
"In the past 24 hours alone, we managed 150 calls and roughly 400 emails with prompt responses. Additionally, 161 seafarers were repatriated from the Gulf region to India after signing off. Our embassies and missions are coordinating these efforts," the Special Secretary said at a press conference last evening.
As previously stated, 22 Indian-flagged vessels are involved, carrying 611 Indian seafarers—all of whom are safe. We maintain regular contact via DG Shipping, RTSL Agency, stakeholders, ship owners, and shipping lines. Since activating the control room, we've handled over 3,000… pic.twitter.com/lLIfkLtbab
— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 17, 2026
With the MT Nanda Devi back on Indian shores, the ministry has also confirmed that the vessel, as well as MT Shivalik, is now operational.
It was only last week that the two vessels sat waiting, parked in a high-risk zone for nearly a fortnight as war raged around the Strait of Hormuz. Back home, long queues outside LPG distributors revealed what was at stake: India gets somewhere between 60–85 per cent of its LPG from Gulf suppliers, and almost all of it transits through that narrow, contested passage.
Both the MT Shivalik and the MT Nanda Devi are operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). As per reports, they crossed the Strait of Hormuz on March 13, 2026.
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Shivalik was the first to arrive in India, at Mundra Port, Gujarat, on March 16, carrying approximately 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG. Nanda Devi followed, docking at Vadinar (Jamnagar) on March 17, with nearly 47,000 metric tonnes more. Together, the two ships brought home roughly 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, enough to fill over 65 lakh standard domestic cylinders.
On Tuesday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal acted swiftly, engaging in a video conference with the crew of both vessels to express the nation’s gratitude. "It is a matter of immense pride to recognise the courage, dedication and professionalism of the crew of Shivalik and Nanda Devi. Your efforts ensured the safe passage of critical LPG cargo, strengthening India's energy security," Sonowal said.
The union minister hailed the seafarers as "the unsung heroes of global trade". The Centre also confirmed that it is actively working with major ports, which have been directed to prioritise berthing for LPG vessels, offer concessions on anchorage, berth hire and storage charges, and provide safe anchorage for vessels still unable to transit. Over the last few days, six LPG vessels have already been received at major Indian ports. The Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation in coordination with ship owners, placement agencies and Indian diplomatic missions, the Centre confirmed.
