Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply equipment for India’s first electric tug at Deendayal Port in Kandla. This project is a key milestone in India’s Green Tug Transition Programme, featuring advanced technologies like permanent magnet-driven thrusters and energy storage systems. The tug, designed by NavNautik India, will enhance maritime decarbonization efforts.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship globally, embarked on its inaugural journey from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 31. With over 5,000 passenger capacity and 20 decks, it features eight neighborhoods, multiple dining options, a lush park, and diverse entertainment, including a Back to the Future musical.
Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (BPIPL) to operate a new Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat. This aims to enhance logistics capabilities for Central Gujarat and the National Capital Region, with CONCOR overseeing operations and management.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a green hydrogen pilot plant at V O Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu, promoting alternative fuels. The 750 m³ capacity plant aligns with the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor initiative, enhancing VOC Port as a central hub for green fuel bunkering and supporting sustainable livelihoods through the Sagarmala programme.
Union Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that India’s port cargo volumes remain stable despite the US imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods. He attributed this resilience to strong domestic consumption and new trade agreements. Major ports continue to efficiently manage cargo, reflecting robust growth strategies.
Lloyd’s Register has launched a new risk-based notation, Fire (C, Risk), to enhance fire safety assessments for container vessels. This notation, part of the July 2025 update, allows stakeholders to evaluate fire risks and implement tailored safety enhancements, promoting innovation and supporting data-driven verification in ship design.
Virgin Voyages has launched its fourth cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, marking a significant milestone after pandemic-related delays. Under CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, the brand focuses on a unique onboard experience with no formal dress codes and flexible dining. With bookings up 70%, the company is poised for substantial growth.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, commended Orion Marine Services and Seatransport Ltd for raising salaries for seafarers. Emphasizing worker welfare, Bunu noted that satisfied employees enhance employer success. He urged other maritime companies to adopt similar practices, warning non-compliers may face reporting to NIMASA.
On September 5, 2025, a Fifth Circuit Court decision emphasized the principle of bailments in a case involving a sunken barge. The court ruled that the loading facility failed to demonstrate that damage occurred before delivery, highlighting the necessity for transparency regarding a vessel’s condition to avoid disputes in maritime relationships.
Germany’s Steelpaint is re-entering the Indian market after 16 years by introducing its Stelcatec corrosion-resistant coating at the Port of Chennai. Partnering with Kaptel Overseas, the trials will assess the performance of Stelcatec’s LPR primer and LTC topcoat on cranes, aimed at enhancing asset longevity and reducing maintenance costs in harsh environments.
Two ferry crewmembers are on trial in Jersey for the deaths of three fishermen after a December 2022 collision. The Condor Ferries vessel, Commodore Goodwill, struck the fishing boat L’Ecume II, sinking it instantly. The defendants deny charges of gross negligence, arguing the incident was unavoidable despite the prosecution’s claims.
A recent Safetec survey reveals that efficiency demands threaten seafarer safety, with 26% of 30,000 respondents admitting to bypassing safety procedures due to company pressures. Additionally, 20% feel their adherence to safety goes unrecognized, highlighting a critical need for shipping companies to prioritize safety over efficiency to ensure a secure working environment.
The Indian government is establishing a ₹2,000-crore insurance fund to shield shipbuilders from buyer defaults, enhancing sustainability in the capital-intensive sector. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways collaborates with finance ministries to implement a buyer’s default insurance, aiming to secure shipyards from order cancellations and bolster the domestic industry.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) announced that its subsidiary, Oceanicwing, completed the first phase of land-based testing for the Seawing kite system. This innovative wind-assisted propulsion system aims to enhance maritime transport efficiency by harnessing high-altitude winds, with promising results leading to further development phases and larger-scale testing planned.
Greece is enhancing maritime sustainability by installing cold ironing systems at twelve major ports by 2029, including Mykonos and Santorini. This initiative will allow ships to connect to shore power, significantly reducing emissions. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, it aligns with EU carbon neutrality goals and modernizes Greece’s ports.
