Tanker carrying crucial petroleum supplies for India safely clears strategic waterway amid ongoing regional tensions
Key Points:
- India-bound oil tanker Nissos Keros has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz
- The vessel is expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on June 3
- Tensions over navigation and transit regulations in the Strait continue between Iran and the United States
JAMSHEDPUR – An oil tanker carrying much-needed petroleum supplies for India has successfully crossed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and is now heading toward the Indian coast. According to multiple maritime tracking platforms, the tanker Nissos Keros is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on June 3.
The vessel, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, departed from Sharjah on May 21. As of Friday morning, Indian Standard Time, it was reported to be in the Northern Arabian Sea off India’s western coast. Its successful transit comes at a time when geopolitical tensions in the region continue to impact global shipping and energy markets.
According to Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy allowed 23 commercial vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the previous 24 hours. Iranian authorities stated that all vessel movements were conducted after formal coordination with IRGC naval officials.
However, it remains unclear whether any transit fees were charged. Earlier this month, Iran announced plans to establish the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to regulate maritime traffic in the region. Tehran has also indicated that it may require payments from ships passing through the Strait.
The move has drawn international criticism. The United Nations considers charging transit fees in international waters illegal, while the United States has demanded the restoration of unrestricted navigation through the strategic passage.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with nearly 20 percent of global oil and gas shipments passing through it. Any disruption in the area has the potential to trigger significant consequences for global energy supplies and economic stability.
US President Donald Trump recently reiterated that the Strait should remain open for all international shipping, as negotiations and tensions surrounding the region continue. The issue remains one of the key factors affecting broader diplomatic efforts related to the ongoing Iran conflict.
According to maritime database operator Aukevisser, Nissos Keros is owned by Arethusa Shipping Corporation and operated by Kyklades Maritime Corporation. The Hyundai-built tanker is 333 meters long and has a carrying capacity of approximately 318,744 tonnes.
Meanwhile, International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has stated that nearly 1,500 ships are currently affected by disruptions in the Persian Gulf region, highlighting the broader impact of instability in one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
Tags: Strait of Hormuz, India Oil Imports, Nissos Keros, Iran, United States, Global Energy Market, Visakhapatnam
Excerpt: India-bound oil tanker Nissos Keros has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on June 3, providing relief amid ongoing tensions in one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
Category: World
