First crude tanker reaches Mumbai via Strait of Hormuz since Iran–US war began

A crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude has successfully reached Mumbai Port, becoming the first India-bound vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran-US conflict disrupted maritime traffic in late February 2026.

Vessel and cargo details

The vessel involved is the Liberia-flagged Suezmax tanker Shenlong. The tanker loaded crude at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, on 1 March and departed two days later for India.

The ship is carrying around 135,000 metric tonnes of Saudi crude oil, reportedly destined for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. (BPCL).

Transit through Strait of Hormuz

Maritime tracking data showed the tanker’s last transmitted position inside the Strait of Hormuz on 8 March, during a period when most commercial shipping had slowed or halted due to security risks.

Reports indicated the vessel briefly disappeared from AIS tracking (“going dark”) while crossing the high-risk corridor, a strategy used by ships navigating conflict-affected waters.

Arrival in India

The tanker eventually berthed at Mumbai Port, where unloading operations began after arrival.

The ship was captained by an Indian national, and authorities confirmed the voyage was completed safely without incident to the crew.

For tanker operators and energy importers, the development signals partial normalization of crude flows to India, though war-risk premiums, routing uncertainties, and maritime security risks in the Gulf remain elevated.

(image source – marinetraffic.com)