New Delhi: A crude oil tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz has reached Mumbai port, becoming one of the first ships to reach India through the vital route amid rising tensions in the Middle East. According to the Mumbai Port Trust, the Liberian-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, captained by an Indian national, arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday after loading crude from Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia, ANI reported.

Officials said Iran had approved the ship to transit the strategic waterway, where shipping activity has declined sharply following conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Sources said Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian-flagged ships to pass safely through the strait even as maritime traffic in the area has slowed down significantly since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Shenlong Suezmax, which departed from Ras Tanura on March 1, completed its journey to Mumbai after getting permission to pass through the narrow shipping corridor.Iran has tightened controls on shipping in the strait in recent days. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said ships sailing through the waterways must obtain Tehran’s approval. In a post on Twitter, he said two ships that ignored Iran’s warnings were targeted on Wednesday.“Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the ships Express Rome and Mayuri Nari, who today ignored warnings, relying on empty promises, and intended to transit the strait, but were caught. Any ship that intends to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian general said.Iranian state media have reported that Tehran has extended restrictions on shipping through the strait, while adding that ships that do not serve the interests of the United States or Israel will be allowed safe passage. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with more than 20 million barrels of crude moving through the narrow channel between Iran and Oman every day, accounting for about a fifth of global oil consumption and a quarter of seaborne oil trade.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that 28 Indian-flagged ships are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Of these, 24 ships carrying 677 Indian sailors are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four ships carrying 101 Indian crew members are located east of the strait. The ministry said a 24-hour control room has been functioning in the ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since February 28 to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate assistance if needed. Officials are also working with Indian embassies, ship managers and recruitment agencies to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.