New Delhi Moves to Resume Oil Tanker Transits Despite Iran Conflict Risks

New Delhi has initiated high-level diplomatic efforts to resume crude oil tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to secure India's energy supply chain despite escalating regional tensions with Iran. With nearly 85 percent of crude imports reliant on Middle Eastern producers, the government is coordinating with major shipping lines to stabilize transit routes. This strategic move follows prolonged disruptions that threatened energy security, forcing vessels to consider longer, costlier diversions while navigating the volatile Persian Gulf maritime corridors.

Resuming these transits requires strict adherence to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, specifically Part A, which mandates rigorous security assessments for vessels operating in high-risk areas. Compliance departments must ensure that Ship Security Plans (SSP) are updated to reflect current threat levels, as per SOLAS Chapter XI-2 requirements. Furthermore, classification societies like IRClass or Lloyd’s Register may impose additional hull and machinery insurance surcharges, necessitating precise documentation of transit logs and adherence to international maritime safety protocols to maintain vessel certification and operational insurance coverage.

Masters and navigating officers must now prioritize enhanced bridge watchkeeping and proactive threat monitoring during these transits. These rank groups are required to implement immediate hardening measures, including the use of water spray systems and razor wire, while maintaining constant communication with the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). Navigating officers must stay updated on the latest Maritime Security Transit Corridors and ensure all bridge equipment is fully operational for rapid emergency response.