Indian bulk vessel APJ Priti 2 carrying 65,000 MT fertiliser crosses Strait of Hormuz safely

The Indian-flagged bulk carrier APJ Priti 2, loaded with 65,000 metric tons of fertilizer, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz via the Iran route. This transit follows a period of increased regional instability and attacks on maritime traffic in the vital waterway.

The vessel's safe passage came shortly after another tanker sustained damage within the strait, prompting naval authorities to elevate the regional threat level to "substantial." The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that the vessel suffered bridge damage from an unidentified projectile, though the crew remained safe and no environmental damage occurred.

This incident occurred in the context of escalating tensions, with the US retaliating against Iran after an earlier strike on a container ship. Iran, in turn, claimed to have struck US assets. The International Maritime Organization had also warned of potential mine-laying in the strait, with Iran expected to be responsible for their removal under an agreement with the US.

As of Saturday, ten Indian vessels were positioned in the Persian Gulf, west of the strait. A total of 44 vessels of Indian interest have transited the strait since March 1, including 17 Indian-flagged and 27 foreign-flagged ships. These transits comprise various vessel types, including bulk carriers, LPG carriers, and crude oil tankers. Chabahar port remains operational.