Kendrapada: Two months after it came under attack in the Gulf, and nearly two weeks after it exited the Strait of Hormuz, the India-flagged, MT Sanmar Herald, carrying around 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude, reached Paradip port on Wednesday.The vessel, carrying Basrah Medium and Basrah Heavy crude, docked about 22 km off the coast. The crude will be transported through pipelines to Indian Oil Corporation’s Paradip refinery.In a post on X, Paradip Port Authority said the vessel had completed an “extraordinary voyage” through one of the most volatile geopolitical flashpoints in recent times.According to port authorities, the vessel sustained shrapnel damage to its bridge on April 17 amid an outbreak of hostilities near Iranian waters. However, none of the officers or crew members was injured. The vessel altered its route, remained in constant coordination with the Indian Navy, and continued its journey without any further incident.“Despite the challenges, the master and crew displayed exceptional professionalism, resilience and commitment to safety,” a port official said. Authorities said the vessel resumed its voyage after the Strait of Hormuz reopened and reached Paradip safely.On April 17, the vessel was intercepted Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats and was forced to turn. During this engagement, shrapnel/missile impacts shattered the vessel’s bridge windshield. The vessel retreated to a safe anchorage off Dubai and waited for the situation to stabilise. Upon formal reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the vessel executed a safe passage on June 19.On arrival, the crew of the vessel was welcomed by representatives of Paradip Port Authority and SERPL with bouquets and mementoes in honour of their courage and perseverance.Officials said the tanker’s safe arrival brought relief amid concerns over possible disruptions to India’s energy imports amid tensions in West Asia. The crude will be transported through pipelines to Indian Oil Corporation’s Paradip refinery. Unloading is expected to be completed by Thursday evening.
The crew of MT Sanmar Herald after reaching Paradip port
