The United States is sending thousands of Marines and sailors to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to grow.

The deployment includes the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer along with its Marine unit and supporting warships.

Around 2,500 Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are being sent from the US West Coast, about three weeks earlier than planned.

With this, the total number of US troops in the region will rise to around 50,000, and there will be two Marine units ready for quick operations.

Officials said no final decision has been made to send troops into Iran. However, the current deployment gives the US more options if the situation worsens.

President Donald Trump said earlier that he is not sending troops “anywhere,” but also made it clear that he would not share details of any plans.

The focus remains on securing the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a large share of the world’s oil supply.

US forces have increased their operations in the area, targeting Iranian fast boats and drones that could threaten commercial shipping.

There are also discussions about possible action near Iran’s Kharg Island, which is used to export most of the country’s oil.

Additionally, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is heading to Greece for repairs after spending over nine months on deployment.

The US Navy plans to send the USS George H.W. Bush to replace it and maintain its presence in the region.

References: Reuters, TOI

Full report available at the source:

Read Full Article on Marine Insight »

The Bombay High Court has allowed the owners of three ships seized by the Indian Coast Guard to send essential supplies to the crew.

The ships were detained on February 6, around 100 nautical miles off Mumbai, over suspected illegal transfer of petroleum products within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The court’s decision ensures basic support for crew while the investigation into alleged smuggling activities continues.

A division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri allowed the owners to send food, water, and other necessities to crew members. The supplies will be delivered under strict security monitoring.

The court also permitted the companies, Balboa Shipping, Royal Princess Shipping, and Star Management Shipping, to assess the current market value of the vessels.

This valuation could be used if the court later considers releasing the ships against financial bonds.

The vessels, Asphalt Star, Stellar Ruby, and Al Jafzia, were intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard in February. Authorities had been tracking Asphalt Star since February 4 before stopping it at sea.

Investigators said the ships were involved in unauthorised ship-to-ship fuel transfers inside India’s EEZ.

Asphalt Star allegedly transferred around 30 metric tonnes of heavy fuel oil to Al Jafzia. It also delivered over 5,400 metric tonnes of high-viscosity bitumen to Stellar Ruby.

Officials reported that the vessels attempted to hide their identity by…

Full report available at the source:

Read Full Article on Marine Insight »

Iran has started controlling ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz by allowing only approved vessels to pass through a monitored route near its coast.

In at least one case, a tanker operator paid around $2 million to secure safe passage.

Per reports, Iran is guiding selected ships through a route close to Larak Island, where its naval forces carry out checks before letting vessels move ahead. 

A basic approval system has been put in place, where ships must share details such as ownership and cargo before entering the strait. Once cleared, they are allowed to pass one by one.

So far, at least nine vessels have used this route. These include LPG carriers, bulk carriers and government-linked tankers.

Two India-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, crossed the strait around March 13 after getting clearance through official talks.

Per reports, they were allowed to pass without paying any fee. A Pakistan-linked tanker and a few other vessels have also taken similar routes.

However, not all ships are getting through the same way. In at least one instance, a tanker operator is believed to have paid about $2 million to ensure safe passage through the strait. 

Approvals are being handled case by case, and there are signs that Iran may bring in fixed charges for transit in the future.

Several countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Iraq and Malaysia, are now in direct talks with Tehran to make sure their ships can pass…

Full report available at the source:

Read Full Article on Marine Insight »

A 43-year-old Indian Merchant Navy captain from Ranchi has died on board an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. His family is appealing to authorities for urgent assistance in bringing his body back to India.

Captain Rakesh Ranjan reportedly passed away on 18 March after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest while serving aboard the vessel ASP Avana (RPSL-MUM-172), which he had joined on 2 February.

His family said the ship had been stranded approximately 14 nautical miles off the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February, following a halt in regional maritime movement due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

According to his elder brother, Umesh Singh, the shipping company informed the family that Ranjan had lost consciousness and collapsed from his chair on board.

Efforts were reportedly made to provide medical assistance, but permission for an emergency airlift was not granted. He was later transferred by boat to Port Rashid in Dubai, where he was declared dead.

The family has claimed that delays in medical evacuation may have contributed to his death, stating that several crucial hours were lost before he could receive treatment.

However, they are awaiting the post-mortem examination report to confirm the exact cause of death.

Ranjan’s body is currently being kept under police custody at a mortuary in Dubai, with reports indicating it is at Sheikh Rashid Hospital.

The repatriation process has reportedly begun but is facing delays, partly…

Full report available at the source:

Read Full Article on Marine Insight »