Is the safe arrival of LNG carrier Disha a big relief for India amid the Hormuz crisis? Is the threat to India’s energy supply due to the West Asia conflict now averted? Will this ship carrying 62,370 metric tons of LNG instill new confidence in maritime security? Will the US-Iran agreement make the Strait of Hormuz safe again for global trade?
LNG Carrier Disha Reaches Dahej: Amidst the ongoing terrible war in West Asia and the echo of gunpowder, a very relieving but breath-taking news has come to light for India’s energy sector. The first Indian commercial ship has returned safely to Indian soil after passing through the world’s most dangerous sea route, which was closed for more than three and a half months. Malta-flagged giant Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier ‘Disha’ (LNGC Disha) has reached Dahej port in Gujarat after safely transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The return of this ship is not just a business event, but behind it lies international diplomacy, the suspense of a ceasefire and the safety of the stoves burning in the homes of crores of Indians.
When India’s breathing had stopped: Qatar’s ‘force majeure’ and the sea was closed
This whole suspense started on February 28 this year, when America and Israel launched sudden military attacks on Iran. In response, a frustrated Tehran practically closed the ‘Strait of Hormuz’, which is called the world’s most sensitive maritime lifeline. As soon as this route was closed, there was an outcry in the global energy market.
India is dependent on foreign imports to meet almost half of its natural gas demand, about 65 percent of which comes via this route from Gulf countries like Qatar. As soon as the route was closed, Qatar pulled out of providing LNG shipments to many global buyers, including India, and invoked ‘force majeure’ (failure to complete the contract due to unavoidable circumstances). India suddenly faced a huge energy crisis, because the gas supply was on the verge of complete stagnation.
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62,000 tonnes of gunpowder passed from the jaws of death: High-alert at Petronet jetty
Amidst heightened tensions and uncertainty, on June 15, the LNG carrier ‘Disha’ entered the narrow and war-torn shipping route where there was a threat of missile or drone attack at any time. The ship was loaded with 62,370 metric tons of highly flammable Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which could turn into a burning ball of destruction in the event of a major explosion. On Friday morning, when the ship anchored at Dahej port under the Bharuch Port Authority of Gujarat, the officials heaved a sigh of relief. According to Gujarat Port Authority, the ship was immediately berthed at the Petronet LNG jetty and security checks were initiated.
Trump-Modi’s secret talk: How the lock of the closed sea opened from French soil?
Behind the success of this dangerous mission lies a huge and secret diplomatic victory. Actually, this ship could pass through this route when an initial ceasefire agreement was announced between America and Iran. Under the agreement, Tehran allowed ships to pass through this sea route without any toll for 60 days and in return the US military lifted its naval blockade.
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Just before this ceasefire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a very important bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit held in France. In this meeting, PM Modi had raised the issue of freedom of navigation in international waters and safety of Indian sailors very aggressively. The result of this chemistry between Modi and Trump was that ‘Disha’ could get a safe path.
What next? 60 days moratorium and India’s next step
Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) had indicated on Thursday itself that ‘Disha’ would reach Dahej on Friday morning, and that is exactly what happened. This ship, managed by a consortium led by Shipping Corporation of India, has now become a new hope for India.
| Key Metrics | Details |
| ship name and flag | LNGC ‘Disha’ (flag of Malta) |
| total cargo capacity | 62,370 metric tons of LNG |
| source of gas supply | Gulf countries (Qatar etc.) |
| road crisis | Closed for 3 and a half months due to Iran-US war |
However, no one knows when this 60-day extension given by Iran will end or when the conflict between the two countries will arise again. These 60 days are very precious for India, in which it will have to fulfill its gas shortage. Will India be able to safely evacuate all its ships within this time limit, or will this powder keg of West Asia ignite again? Only time will tell.