KANDLA, GUJARAT — In a major boost to India’s energy security, the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Nanda Devi is scheduled to dock at the Kandla Port (Deendayal Port) today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The vessel’s arrival marks a successful diplomatic and maritime feat, as it is one of the first few Indian ships to navigate the strategically sensitive and conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz following recent regional escalations.
Strategic Transit Through the Strait of Hormuz
The Nanda Devi, owned by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), departed from the Persian Gulf carrying approximately 46,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The vessel, along with its sister ship Shivalik, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday morning.
While the Shivalik reached Mundra Port on Monday, the Nanda Devi continued its voyage toward Kandla. Their safe passage was secured through high-level diplomatic coordination between New Delhi and Tehran, ensuring that India’s essential energy corridors remain functional despite the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Relief for India’s Domestic Energy Supply
The arrival of the Nanda Devi comes at a critical time when concerns over fuel shortages had begun to surface due to maritime blockades. Together, the Shivalik and Nanda Devi are bringing in over 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG, which officials estimate is equivalent to nearly two days’ worth of India’s national cooking gas requirement.
To ensure there are no delays in getting the gas to consumers, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has arranged for:
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Priority Berthing: The vessel will be given immediate docking rights upon arrival.
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Advance Documentation: All customs and port clearances have been pre-processed.
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Ship-to-Ship Transfer: Reports indicate that a portion of the cargo may be transferred to smaller vessels at Vadinar to facilitate faster distribution across the region.
Monitoring Safety of Indian Seafarers
As the Nanda Devi prepares to offload its cargo, the Indian government remains in a state of high alert for other vessels still in the region. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, confirmed that while the Nanda Devi and Shivalik are safe, approximately 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers remain west of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is monitoring these vessels 24/7 through a dedicated control room. Another tanker, the Jag Laadki, carrying 81,000 tonnes of crude oil, is also expected to reach the Gujarat coast today, further stabilizing the nation’s energy reserves.