Suezmax “Shenlong” Pierces Hormuz Blockade: First India-Bound Crude Tanker Arrives Safely In Mumbai

MUMBAI, INDIA — In a major tactical victory for India’s energy security, the Suezmax tanker Shenlong successfully berthed at the Jawahar Dweep terminal of the Mumbai Port on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The arrival marks the first successful transit of an India-bound crude vessel through the Strait of Hormuz since the onset of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war on February 28.

As maritime traffic in the region remains paralyzed by Iranian drone strikes and mine threats, the Shenlong’s voyage—captained by an Indian national—offers a potential blueprint for other vessels currently “trapped” in the Persian Gulf.

1. The “Dark” Transit: How the Shenlong Escaped

The tanker, carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of Saudi Arabian crude, utilized “stealth” maneuvers to bypass Iranian patrols.

• The Route: After loading at Ras Tanura on March 1, the ship entered the Strait on March 8.
• Going Dark: To avoid the fate of the Mayuree Naree (the Thai ship struck on Wednesday), the Shenlong deactivated its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders and went “dark” for nearly 24 hours.
• The Arrival: The vessel re-emerged on tracking databases in the Arabian Sea on March 9, eventually reaching Mumbai at 1:00 PM on Wednesday.
• Discharging: According to Praveen Singh, Deputy Conservator of the Mumbai Port Authority, the cargo is being discharged into the Mahul refineries, a process expected to take 36 hours.

2. Indian Crew and Command

The successful operation was led by Captain Sukshant Singh Sandhu, who managed a diverse crew of 29 Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino sailors.

• Management: The vessel is managed by Athens-based Dynacom Tanker Management, which reportedly coordinated with Indian maritime authorities to ensure situational awareness during the perilous transit.
• Stealth Tactics: Experts suggest the ship likely employed “signal spoofing” or shadowed Chinese-flagged vessels—the only tankers Tehran has officially granted safe passage—to evade Iranian “Revolutionary Guard” (IRGC) detection.

3. The Status of the “Trapped” Indian Fleet

While the Shenlong reached safety, the crisis for Indian-flagged shipping remains acute.

• Vessels Remaining: According to the Directorate General of Shipping, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are still located within or near the conflict zone.
• The Great Escape: Eight Indian ships that were east of the Strait have successfully moved to the safer waters of the Arabian Sea. These include high-profile tankers such as the Desh Mahima, Swarna Kamal, and the LNGC Aseem.
• Angola Detour: At least one vessel, the Jag Lakshya, has reportedly abandoned its original route and proceeded toward Angola to avoid the Persian Gulf entirely.

Ship Transit Report: Shenlong (Suezmax)