At the London International Shipping Week 2025, ABS Chairman Christopher J. Wiernicki emphasized the crucial role of safety in maritime innovation. He warned that regulatory ambitions must align with industry realities, advocating for liquefied natural gas as a transition fuel. Wiernicki highlighted the importance of training for safe shipping practices.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has signed a pivotal ₹4,250 crore MoU with the Gujarat Maritime Board to modernize shipyard infrastructure and enhance supply chains. The investment will boost Pipavav Port’s capacity and establish a Centre of Excellence, training over 1,000 youth annually to support India’s maritime growth.
Fernando San Diego San Juan, chief engineer of the MSC Michigan VII, pleaded guilty to federal charges following a propulsion failure incident in Charleston Harbor. The mishap exceeded speed limits and prompted bridge closures and beach evacuations. San Juan admitted to neglecting safety protocols, potentially facing a six-year sentence and hefty fines.
In a bold move to enhance Odisha’s maritime and industrial sectors, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced major projects, including a National Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara and a deep-water port at Bahuda. These initiatives, backed by significant investments and federal support, aim to establish Odisha as a maritime hub, fostering economic growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a “historic reform” by designating large ships as infrastructure, aiming to boost financing and competitiveness for Indian shipping. He introduced initiatives worth ₹70,000 crore to modernize shipyards and improve standards, emphasizing self-reliance with the mantra “Chips or ships, made in India.”
On September 20, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat to review the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, with a budget of ₹4,500 crore. The complex aims to preserve India’s maritime traditions while boosting tourism and education. Modi also launched projects worth ₹34,200 crore, enhancing regional infrastructure.
Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance claims have reached a ten-year high, with net claims rising 25% to $3.1 billion. Emerging risks, inflation, and disruptions from conflicts have heightened financial pressures. Despite premium increases, total income remained flat, prompting projections for further rises in premiums amid ongoing challenges for shipowners.
Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, urged Andhra Pradesh’s maritime community to engage in India Maritime Week 2025 during the PORTCON-2025 roadshow. He emphasized the event as a vital platform to enhance the state’s maritime sector and align with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Swarnandhra vision.
On September 18, the Turkish Coast Guard successfully rescued seven crew members from the grounded cargo ship Rapid off the Kocaeli coast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The vessel, carrying gypsum to Ukraine, was pushed ashore by severe weather. Salvage operations will resume once conditions improve.
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) recently completed a pilot project with Singapore’s Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) to evaluate biofuels for maritime use. The six-month trial demonstrated that B24 biofuel, consisting of 24% processed cooking oil, showed no adverse effects on engine performance, supporting its potential for sustainable shipping operations.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), with the Indian Ports Association, launched its inaugural Officers’ Induction Training Program on September 18, 2025. This initiative focuses on enhancing knowledge in port operations and administration, fostering skill development, and promoting inter-port cooperation to strengthen India’s maritime workforce and economic growth.
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has partnered with the FAO to upgrade Blue Port infrastructure in India, focusing on Vanakbara, Karaikal, and Jakhau. This ₹369.8 crore initiative merges technology with sustainability, improving economic growth while incorporating digital systems, energy efficiency, and effective waste management for fisheries modernization.
The cruise ship Aroya, part of the Cruise Saudi initiative, recently made a significant transit of the Suez Canal, a rare feat for passenger vessels. Carrying approximately 2,300 passengers and 1,500 crew, it is set to visit Sharm El-Sheikh before concluding its journey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Zero Emission Services (ZES), alongside Nefcargo and Inland Terminals Group, has launched ZES 2.0, enhancing electric inland cargo shipping. This service introduces containerized battery systems for quick swaps at stations in Alphen aan den Rijn, Alblasserdam, and Den Bosch, promoting cost-effective and efficient shipping operations.
On September 14, a significant protest occurred outside the Baltimore cruise terminal, opposing the detention and deportation of four seafarers accused of possessing child pornography. Organized by a Filipino community group, demonstrators rallied for the rights of seafarers, expressing concerns about unjust deportations and calling for accountability from relevant authorities.
