India, April 3 -- A tanker carrying Iranian crude oil, which was headed to India's west coast terminal of Vadinar in Gujarat, has changed course to China possibly due to documentation issues, two officials aware of the development said.

The vessel, a large crude carrier, is now headed to Dongying in China, according to the Kpler-owned MarineTraffic, which tracks ships based on transponder signalling.

"None of the agents at the terminal received any mandatory documentation related to Ping Shun tanker. Ports offer services based on booking and necessary clearances," a port official said.

The Eswatini-flagged Ping Shun's transponders and AIS (automatic identity system) had earlier signalled it was headed for the Vadinar offshore terminal ...