Context: The Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker ‘Shenlong’ carrying Saudi crude oil reached Mumbai Port after transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
About ‘Shenlong’ Crude Tanker:
What it is?
- Shenlong is a Suezmax-class crude oil tanker transporting crude oil from Ras Tanura Oil Terminal to India.
- It is Liberia-flagged, meaning the ship is registered under the maritime registry of Liberia, a common practice known as flag of convenience.
Features
- Suezmax Category: Designed to carry around 1 million barrels of crude oil and sized to pass through the Suez Canal.
- Large capacity tanker: Typically 120,000–200,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
- Global energy transport role: Used for long-distance transport of crude oil between major oil-exporting and importing regions.
- Strategic maritime route usage: Transited through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint.
Significance:
- Ensures continued supply of crude oil from the Saudi Arabia, one of India’s major oil suppliers.
- Demonstrates the continued functionality of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of global oil supply passes daily.
- Passage of such vessels during regional conflict highlights the vulnerability of global energy supply chains.
- The event also highlights India’s monitoring efforts for Indian crews and vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region.
Relevance in UPSC Examination Syllabus
- GS Paper II – International Relations
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- India–West Asia relations and energy cooperation with Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia.
- Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz in global geopolitics and maritime security.
- GS Paper III – Energy Security
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- India’s crude oil imports and energy supply chains.
- Role of maritime transport in ensuring energy security and global oil trade routes.
