Hostilities in the Gulf intensified on Wednesday when Iranian attacks on Kuwait’s airport caused significant damage and injuries, leading to a temporary halt of flights. Concurrently, U.S. military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz further strained a fragile ceasefire, resulting in a nearly 2% rise in oil prices.
India’s shipping and logistics sector is grappling with unprecedented challenges due to escalating conflicts in West Asia, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz. The nation is rapidly adapting its routes, significantly increasing traffic through alternatives like the Red Sea, while domestic inflation pressures mount due to rising transport costs.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority in Navi Mumbai, accompanied by a 67-member delegation, to explore maritime cooperation. He expressed keen interest in port operations and underscored Myanmar’s readiness to enhance connectivity. The visit aimed to strengthen India-Myanmar ties and boost regional maritime trade initiatives.
The Embassy has pressed the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for immediate consular access to a detained Russian citizen and his quick release. Meanwhile, in response to sanctions, Russia is using older ships, dubbed the “shadow fleet,” to transport oil, facing active obstruction from France and Britain amid rising tensions.
DNV has confirmed that Carbon Ridge’s centrifugal onboard carbon capture system (OCCS) can achieve CO2 capture rates of up to 98%. Tested on the LR2 product tanker STI Spiga, this innovative technology marks a significant advancement in maritime carbon capture, with a compact design that reduces space requirements by 75%.
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has announced initial orders for the Pentagon Star, an innovative mass rescue device for swift recovery during maritime and aviation crises. Designed for high-impact situations, it inflates into a floating platform accommodating up to 100 individuals, enhancing search and rescue operations with its lightweight and efficient design.
The recent conflict in Iran, paired with the southwest monsoon, underscores Salaya port’s crucial role in Gujarat’s mechanised sailing vessel trade with the Gulf. Serving as a safe haven for 175 MSVs, Salaya enables the transportation of vital goods, while also facilitating regulatory changes to enhance safety for these vessels amid geopolitical tensions.
Australia’s dive industry is launching a campaign to expand no-fishing and no-drilling zones, particularly in the Coral Sea, coinciding with a federal review of marine parks. This initiative aims to enhance protections while balancing concerns from the fishing sector about impacts on commercial activities and regional employment.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration in maritime decarbonization, digitalization, and workforce development. This partnership aims to create a sustainable maritime sector while boosting MSC’s operations in Singapore, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of MSC’s local office.
Over the past week, two oil tankers navigated the Strait of Hormuz, while a liquefied natural gas carrier loaded in the UAE, indicating unusual activity amid limited traffic. Ongoing tensions from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continue to disrupt oil and LNG flows, despite some tankers departing the Gulf.
As the West Asia conflict endures, India has facilitated safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing stranded vessels from 36-38 to 13 since February 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs played a crucial role in diplomacy, ensuring efficient transit for Indian-flagged ships amidst ongoing regional tensions.
During its 59th Committee meeting in Glasgow, the Paris MoU raised alarms about deceptive maritime practices, noting a detention rate increase to 4.18% in 2025. Concerns over fraudulent registrations prompted guidance development for coordinated responses. The need for enhanced international cooperation was emphasized, alongside a new framework for fishing vessels over 24 meters.
In a recent interview, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed the urgent need for better living and working conditions for seafarers. He urged Greek shipowners, who control nearly 20% of global tonnage, to invest in sustainability and technology, emphasizing the importance of workforce welfare, training, and mental health support.
Despite a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, relocating the thousands of sailors stranded in the Gulf is still considered too dangerous. Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the IMO, emphasized that safe transit guarantees are essential before any action can be taken, as many crews face urgent needs after prolonged isolation.
The 2010 HNS Convention will take effect on November 29, 2027, marking a significant step in regulating the maritime transport of hazardous substances. With 12 states ratifying the treaty, it ensures fair compensation for damages related to over 2,000 hazardous materials, addressing loss of life, property, and environmental harm.
