MoPSW update on the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region and the steps being taken

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has provided an update on the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region and the steps being taken to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers. As per the Ministry:

* All Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no shipping incident involving Indian seafarers has been reported in the past 24 hours.

* At present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers remain in the west of the Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation in coordination with shipowners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

* Of the two Indian-flag LPG carriers that crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 14 March carrying about 92,712 MT of LPG, Shivalik, was scheduled to berth at Mundra Port around 1700 hrs on Monday with documentation completed to ensure priority discharge, while vessel Nanda Devi was expected to reach early Tuesday morning.

* The Indian-flag vessel Jag Laadki, carrying about 80,800 MT of Murban crude oil, sailed from the UAE on 14 March 2026 and is safely en route to India. The vessel and all Indian seafarers onboard are safe.

* Since activation of the DG Shipping Control Room, 3,030 phone calls and about 5,497 emails have been handled from seafarers, their families and maritime stakeholders seeking assistance, including over 310 calls and 597 emails in the past 48 hours.

* DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of 286 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region so far, including 33 repatriations in the past 48 hours.

* Major Ports across the country are closely monitoring vessel movements and cargo operations and providing support to shipping lines and cargo stakeholders, including concessions in anchorage, berth hire and storage charges.

* Ports are coordinating with Customs and other stakeholders to facilitate cargo operations.

* JNPA has provided temporary transhipment storage for containers bound for the Middle East and granted 100% rebate on ground rent and dwell time charges and around 80% rebate on reefer container plug-in charges for up to 15 days for containers originating at JNPA.

* There is currently no congestion at any Major Port, and export-bound containers at JNPA have reduced from about 5,600 to around 3,900.

* Ports are also providing safe anchorage for loaded vessels bound for the Gulf that are currently unable to transit.

* An inter-ministerial group has been formed under the Directorate General of Shipping with members from Customs, ports and other stakeholders to address operational issues.

* The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, shipping companies and maritime stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers while maintaining continuity of maritime trade and port operations.

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