Role in Strait of Hormuz Traffic
India imports approximately 4.5 million barrels per day of crude oil, a large share sourced from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar — all of which transit Hormuz. Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum operate major refinery complexes along the west coast, all of which receive Gulf crude via Hormuz tanker routes. The Shipping Corporation of India operates a fleet of tankers, LPG carriers, and product tankers that transit Hormuz regularly. Petronet LNG's Dahej and Kochi terminals receive LNG from Qatar and other Gulf producers.
Key Ports and Routes
JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust), near Mumbai, is India's largest container port. Mundra Port in Gujarat, operated by Adani Ports, is India's largest port by cargo volume and handles significant crude imports. The ports of Vadinar and Sikka serve the Reliance and Essar refineries in Gujarat. Mumbai Port Trust handles general and project cargo. All West Coast of India ports receive Gulf cargo via Hormuz.
Transit Clearance Considerations
India-based operators and ship managers submitting transit clearance applications must ensure that IMO numbers are current and consistent with the vessel's certificate of registry. Indian-flagged vessels are subject to Merchant Shipping Act 1958 requirements and DG Shipping directives in addition to transit clearance. The time zone alignment between India and the Gulf region (IST is GMT+5:30) facilitates same-business-day communication for applications submitted in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SCI (Shipping Corporation of India) have a preferred process for fleet clearance applications?
SCI can submit applications as the vessel operator or through an authorised ship agent or manager. Fleet discount pricing is available for three or more simultaneous applications, which is relevant for SCI's multi-vessel tanker schedules.
Are LPG tankers from the Gulf to Indian ports subject to dangerous goods declaration?
LPG is classified under the IGC Code and is subject to DG declaration requirements at the time of application. The dangerous goods warning and declaration step in the clearance form must be completed accurately for LPG-laden vessels.
Can Indian refineries or cargo owners apply for transit clearance on behalf of the vessel?
The applicant must have authority to bind the vessel operator named in the application. A cargo owner or receiver does not automatically have that authority. Typically the vessel operator, ship manager, or their port agent in the Gulf should submit the application.
Published: January 2025 · Last updated: October 2026