The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) recently celebrated its 76th anniversary, marking over seven decades of vital contributions to India’s maritime industry. Established in 1949, the DGS has shaped maritime policy, regulated shipping, and enhanced safety standards. Looking ahead, it aims to strengthen India’s maritime sector in line with future visions.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has partnered with the Indian Maritime University (IMU) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance maritime education and skill development. This collaboration aims to prepare future professionals for India’s growing maritime sector, establishing specialized Centres of Excellence at both SDHI and IMU campuses.
On September 2, 2025, the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being was adopted, establishing eight commitments to enhance sailor welfare amidst global challenges. Key commitments include upholding human rights, enforcing labor conventions, and ensuring seafarers can refuse unsafe assignments without retaliation, promoting corporate diligence and international cooperation.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on UAE maritime authorities to assist 19 stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf. These crew members, primarily from India, face dire conditions aboard an oil tanker due to fake contracts and lack of insurance, having been trapped for 15 months beyond the Maritime Labour Convention’s limits.
The Indonesian government has granted $1.3 million in scholarships to the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) for maritime training programs benefiting 96 seafarers. The initiative includes a Training of Trainers course and a program on Assessment, Examination, and Certification, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards.
The Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) is launching a pilot program allowing citizens to invest in ships through fractional ownership. This initiative will issue profit-linked securities tied to existing vessels, aiming to raise up to 1 trillion won ($730 million). Retail investors can subscribe via brokerage accounts, with tradable securities.
Martin Hedman, director of mental wellness practices at VIKAND, stresses the urgent need for a collective detox in the maritime industry. Resilience, while valuable, can become toxic under excessive demands, leading to burnout. To protect seafarers’ mental health, the industry must prioritize support and empathy over relentless workloads.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India will host a roadshow in Guwahati on September 2, ahead of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. This event aims to unite policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the future of inland waterways, emphasizing river cruise tourism and urban water transport for sustainable growth.
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has partnered with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to create a Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Shipbuilding Technology, supported by a ₹3.53 crore investment. This initiative aims to bridge academia and industry, focusing on skills enhancement, software development, and advancing sustainable maritime technologies in India.
Kamarajar Port is enhancing its coastal power supply facility, encouraging ships to switch to cleaner electricity while docked. Launched in November 2024, the initiative aligns with India’s sustainable port operations goals. This transition reduces emissions and fuel consumption, with a government mandate for compliance by 2035, ensuring widespread adoption.
Franmarine’s innovative underwater vacuum technology aims to combat biofouling on commercial vessel hulls, reducing invasive marine pest risks in Western Australia. This diver-operated system filters and UV-treats water before release, marking a significant advancement in marine biosecurity. Successful evaluations could lead to a larger pilot program in Fremantle Ports.
Images have emerged of the aftermath of the containership incident at Itajaí, Brazil, where the vessel Vincente Pinzon broke free from its moorings due to strong currents. Emergency teams quickly secured the ship, preventing injuries or significant damage. This incident raises safety concerns as the port undergoes modernization plans.
Nautilus International has welcomed Peter Hebblethwaite’s exit from P&O Ferries, viewing it as a chance to prioritize maritime professionals’ rights. His tenure was marked by the unlawful dismissal of 786 seafarers in 2022, prompting calls for accountability and stronger employment protections. The union urges new leadership to engage constructively with trade unions.
Container cargo volume in India is expected to grow by 8% this fiscal year, reaching 380 million tonnes, amid challenges like US tariffs and disruptions in the Panama Canal. While coal volumes may decline, port expansions and increased transshipment activities are anticipated to bolster overall growth in the sector.
Madrid-based startup Green Bunkers has secured €5 million from Baghdadi Capital to enhance its maritime decarbonization platform. Founded in 2025, the company aims to transform the €100 billion bunkering industry by promoting cleaner fuels, improving transparency, and implementing innovative solutions like green corridors and carbon capture technologies.
