Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has committed to improving maritime connectivity for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in response to concerns from CPI (M) MP R. Sachithanantham. Measures include acquiring additional vessels and chartering ships to enhance passenger and cargo transport, while addressing the local job market for youth through recruitment initiatives.
The ratification of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement by the Russian Duma signifies a pivotal advancement in India-Russia defense relations, enhancing maritime collaboration from Chennai to the Arctic. This step reflects India’s broader maritime strategy, addressing regional challenges while expanding operational reach amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
A merchant vessel successfully thwarted a pirate attack off Yemen’s Bab-el-Mandeb on Friday. The bulk carrier, Bobic, engaged in gunfire with around 15 approaching small crafts. Despite the assault, the crew remained unharmed, underscoring ongoing security concerns as shipping lines cautiously consider resuming Red Sea routes.
Nine Filipino seafarers from the M/V Eternity C returned to Manila after being held hostage by Houthi rebels for five months. Their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport was facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers, with support from Oman. They expressed gratitude for their unexpected release just before Christmas.
India will host a major international workshop on maritime security this Friday, focusing on protecting undersea communication cables vital for global connectivity. Seventy participants from India, the EU, and Indian Ocean nations will discuss risks, best practices, and technological solutions to boost the security and resilience of these critical submarine infrastructures.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is unveiling a new logo and visual identity, reflecting its commitment to safe and sustainable shipping. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the logo’s roots in the organization’s history while emphasizing its modern relevance. The design enhances accessibility and aligns with global maritime challenges in the 21st century.
The CIMAC and Maritime Battery Forum report highlights that the transition to battery-powered deep-sea vessels faces more challenges from human and organizational readiness than technical issues. While guidelines exist for technical safety, structured crew training remains limited. Recommendations include harmonized training standards and updated curricula in maritime education to prepare seafarers effectively.
India and Russia are exploring joint production of Arctic-class vessels, aiming to boost maritime cooperation and trade along the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok route. Russian logistics firms are interested, while India’s shipyards expand capabilities. Talks remain early, as both nations seek a stronger Eurasian transport partnership.
Between January and November 2025, newbuilding contracts for bulk carriers fell by 54%, totaling 25 million DWT—the lowest since 2020. The dry bulk orderbook shrank by 4%, now at 11% of the fleet. Filipe Gouveia of BIMCO cites an uncertain market, with contracted vessels down 61% year-on-year.
KVH has launched the CommBox Edge Core, a cutting-edge communications gateway for leisure and small to mid-sized commercial vessels. Designed for robust network management, it integrates various WANs like Starlink and 5G/LTE, enhancing connectivity with features like Wi-Fi 6 and a user-friendly mobile app for seamless control.
Hanwha Ocean has delivered the Wind Mover wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) to Cadeler ahead of schedule. The formal handover occurred on November 28, with the vessel departing on December 2. Wind Mover, featuring a 2,600-tonne crane, will operate in Europe, expanding Cadeler’s fleet to ten vessels.
During a three-day visit, personnel from the Indian Coast Guard and the Indonesian Coast Guard will engage in professional interactions, tabletop exercises, and joint training sessions. This collaboration emphasizes maritime safety and security, focusing on areas like law enforcement, pollution response, and search and rescue to enhance operational effectiveness in the region.
Australian authorities have seized nearly A$9 million worth of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated shipping container at Port Botany, New South Wales. The Australian Border Force identified the suspicious consignment through an x-ray examination, leading to the discovery of 22 blocks totaling approximately 27kg, confirming the presence of cocaine.
The Directorate General of Shipping in India has launched Circular No. 53 of 2025, enhancing crew welfare and safety at sea. This includes a new training module addressing workplace violence, to be integrated into Basic Safety Training. Mandatory for all seafarers by January 2026, it promotes a respectful maritime environment.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal virtually inaugurated India’s first all-electric green tug on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in sustainable maritime operations. Designed for the Deendayal Port Authority, this tugboat is part of the Green Tug Transition Programme, aiming to decarbonize the maritime sector and promote clean energy solutions.
