**Executive Summary**
On March 17, 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal commended the crews of Indian-flagged LPG carriers *Shivalik* and *Nanda Devi* for safely delivering critical energy supplies despite high-risk conditions in West Asia. The vessels arrived at Mundra and Kandla on March 16 and 17, 2026, after waiting nearly two weeks in a high-security zone. The government is now actively monitoring the Persian Gulf region and implementing relief measures to ensure maritime trade resilience.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Vessel Operations and Energy Security**
* MT *Shivalik* and MT *Nanda Devi* successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on March 13, 2026, arriving at Indian ports by March 17.
* The vessels delivered a total of 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, vital for strengthening India’s energy security.
* The crew maintained operations despite being stationed in a high-risk maritime zone for two weeks due to heightened security concerns.
**Government Monitoring and Coordination**
* The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Directorate General of Shipping are directly monitoring the geopolitical situation in West Asia.
* Continuous coordination is maintained with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions, and ship owners to safeguard the welfare of Indian seafarers.
* Collaboration with Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies is ongoing to manage maritime personnel safety.
**Port and Logistical Directives**
* Major ports have been instructed to prioritize the berthing of LPG vessels to ensure the timely discharge of cargo.
* Ports are providing safe anchorage areas for vessels currently unable to transit to the Gulf region due to prevailing conditions.
* The government has advised ports to extend relief measures, including concessions on anchorage, storage charges, and berth hire.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Seafarers**
**Impact**
Seafarers are recognized as essential personnel for global trade and national energy security. They face increased operational risks in high-security maritime zones but receive government support regarding their safety and dignity.
**Action Required**
Maintain high levels of vigilance, professionalism, and calmness during transit through high-risk zones.
**Major Indian Ports**
**Impact**
Ports are responsible for preventing operational disruptions and managing the safe arrival of essential energy cargo.
**Action Required**
Prioritize berthing for LPG vessels and implement financial concessions for anchorage and storage as advised by the Ministry.
**Shipping Companies and Logistics Stakeholders**
**Impact**
These entities must operate under heightened government monitoring and coordinate closely with state agencies to minimize trade disruptions.
**Action Required**
Work in close coordination with the DG Shipping and Indian missions to monitor vessel safety and ensure the resilience of the maritime logistics network.
Key Entities Referenced
Sarbananda Sonowal: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways who recognized the crew of Indian-flagged vessels for ensuring national energy security.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW): The primary ministry coordinating maritime logistics, port relief measures, and the safety of Indian seafarers in high-risk zones.
Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping): The regulatory body responsible for monitoring maritime safety and coordinating with diplomatic missions to protect Indian-flagged vessels.
MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi: Indian-flagged LPG carriers whose safe passage through high-risk maritime zones was critical for maintaining uninterrupted energy supplies.
Strait of Hormuz: The high-risk maritime zone in the Persian Gulf region central to the security concerns and monitoring efforts detailed in the document.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Interacts
with the Brave Crew of Indian Flagged LPG
Carriers Shivalik & Nanda Devi
“Crews display exceptional courage after waiting nearly two
weeks in high-risk maritime zone:” Sarbananda Sonowal
Sarbananda Sonowal Interacts with Crew; calls Seafarers
“unsung heroes of Global Trade”
Indian-flagged LPG vessels arrive at Mundra & Kandla,
ensuring uninterrupted energy supply
Posted On: 17 MAR 2026 6:37PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, along with
senior officials of the Ministry, interacted with the brave crew members of Indian-flagged LPG carriers
Shivalik and Nanda Devi, expressing the nation’s gratitude for their courage and unwavering sense of duty
in ensuring the safe transit of critical LPG cargo here today.
The interaction, held via video conference, was attended by Vijay Kumar, secretary, Ministry of Ports,
Shipping and Waterways; Shyam Jagannathan, director general of shipping; Capt. B.K. Tyagi, chairman
and managing director, Shipping Corporation of India; Capt. Sukhmeet Singh and crew of Shivalik; and
Capt. Dhiraj Kumar Agrawal along with the crew of Nanda Devi.
Addressing the seafarers, Sarbananda Sonowal said the interaction was a “heartfelt expression of the
nation’s gratitude” to the crew, who ensured the safe delivery of vital LPG supplies despite operating in a
high-risk maritime environment.
“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,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The minister noted that both vessels remained stationed in a high-risk zone for nearly two weeks amid
heightened security concerns before continuing their voyage to India. Sonowal said the crew demonstrated
exceptional calmness, vigilance and professionalism under challenging conditions.
Earlier, the two Indian-flagged LPG carriers safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz before arriving India on
March 16 and 17, as the government continues to closely monitor maritime operations in the Persian Gulf
region amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia. MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi —
carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, crossed the Strait of Hormuz early Friday (13
March, 2026).“Seafarers are the unsung heroes of global trade. Far away from your homes and families, you ensure that
essential cargo reaches its destination safely,” Sonowal said, highlighting the critical role played by
maritime personnel in sustaining global supply chains.
The Union Minister further emphasised that the successful voyage of the two Indian-flagged vessels, fully
manned by Indian seafarers, reflects the strength and resilience of India’s maritime workforce.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to strengthening the maritime
sector and ensuring the safety, dignity and global recognition of our seafarers,” Sarbananda Sonowal
said.
Sonowal also acknowledged the support of seafarers’ families, calling them a vital pillar behind their
dedication and service. Congratulating the masters, officers and crew of both vessels, the minister said
their achievement stands as an example of professionalism and commitment, and wished them safe
voyages ahead.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is closely monitoring the situation in coordination
with ship owners, Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies and Indian diplomatic
missions in the region. The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is actively and directly monitoring the
situation.
To ensure smooth maritime operations, the government is working closely with ports, shipping lines and
logistics stakeholders to minimise any operational disruptions to maritime trade. Ports have been advised
to extend relief measures where required, including concessions in anchorage, berth hire and storage
charges.
Major ports are prioritising berthing for LPG vessels to ensure timely discharge of cargo and continuity in
energy supply. Over the past few days, six LPG vessels have been received at major Indian ports.
Additionally, ports are providing safe anchorage areas for vessels loaded with cargo bound for the Gulf
region that are currently unable to transit due to prevailing conditions.
The ministry said it continues to monitor the maritime situation in close coordination with the Ministry of
External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, shipping companies and other maritime stakeholders, with a
focus on safeguarding the welfare of Indian seafarers and ensuring the resilience of India’s maritime
logistics network.***
MI/PN/IY
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