India is enhancing warship exports to revamp its shipbuilding industry. The Ministry of Defense is expanding facilities in state-owned shipyards like Mazagon Dock and Garden Reach. This aligns with the SAGAR vision, fostering maritime ties with countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam, while aiming to improve construction efficiency against competitors.
The “Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights 2025 Progress Report” highlights how clearly defined responsibilities impact welfare outcomes in the maritime industry. Analyzing data from 710 companies and over 13,000 vessels, it underscores the connection between seafarer welfare, safety, and operational resilience, advocating for collective industry action to address ongoing challenges.
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) has unveiled a wind-assisted LNG carrier design with a capacity of 175,000 cubic meters, aimed at decarbonization. This vessel, featuring LNG dual-fuel propulsion and advanced foldable wing sails, promises over 5% energy consumption reduction, significantly lowering CO₂ emissions in maritime operations.
The Ministry of Ports and Airports in Brazil is implementing programs to enhance operational practices and promote environmental sustainability in port infrastructure. Key initiatives include a decarbonization framework and rigorous monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to significantly reduce emissions in the maritime sector by 2035.
Spanish police have made their largest-ever cocaine seizure at sea, intercepting a vessel with nearly 10 metric tons hidden in a salt shipment from Brazil to Europe. Thirteen individuals were arrested, and authorities recovered 294 bales of cocaine. This operation involved international collaboration to combat drug trafficking.
P&I correspondents are urged to enhance payment verification processes after a fraudulent email interception led to a $200,000 crew claim loss. ITIC’s Claims Director, Mark Brattman, highlighted the sophistication of these scams, emphasizing that alterations to bank details should raise immediate concerns. Robust fraud prevention measures are essential.
ABS and Siemens Energy have initiated a joint development project to investigate thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries via advanced modeling and simulation. This collaboration aims to enhance safety in the marine and offshore energy storage sectors by integrating ABS’s classification expertise with Siemens’ digital modeling innovations, ultimately improving design and operational reliability.
The maritime industry faces a pivotal moment as the urgency for decarbonization becomes an immediate necessity. With the IMO’s Net Zero Framework delayed until 2026, uncertainty looms. Companies like WinGD are leading the charge, delivering innovative solutions like the methanol-optimized X-DF-M engine and ammonia-fueled engines, driving significant emission reductions.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) is voicing concerns over the delayed civil investigation into P&O Ferries’ 2022 dismissal of 800 seafarers. The union criticizes the Insolvency Service for its slow progress, arguing it undermines public confidence and allows company leaders to evade accountability for their actions.
India, a key member of ReCAAP, is bolstering ties with the Singapore-based ISC to enhance maritime safety. Vijay D. Chafekar highlighted the focus on collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. Despite a slight uptick in piracy incidents, effective arrests have mitigated threats, underscoring the need for timely reporting by shipping firms.
The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has identified ten islands for tourism development, with three in Udupi and seven in Uttara Kannada. Utilizing a public-private partnership model, the KMB plans to invest approximately ₹313.5 crore to enhance maritime transport, integrating tourism and commerce along Karnataka’s coast.
The TwinShip consortium has launched its fourth pilot demonstration: an unmanned Ro-Ro vessel powered by green fuels and renewable energy, targeting Net Zero Emissions by 2045. Utilizing advanced digital twin technology, the project optimizes voyage planning and explores renewable energy as a cost-saving and decarbonization strategy for sustainable maritime operations.
A recent norovirus outbreak aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam cruise ship affected nearly 90 individuals, including both passengers and crew. Symptoms primarily included gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. The cruise line notified the CDC, which confirmed the outbreak, prompting enhanced cleaning and isolation measures to contain the situation.
VR Maritime Services Pvt. Ltd. has inaugurated a new office in Goa, enhancing its crew management capabilities for over 200 ships and 6,000 seafarers globally. Capt Sanjay Prashar emphasized Goa’s maritime heritage as pivotal for expansion, while Capt Francisco A. J. Gouveia will lead the new office, fostering local community ties.
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre’s year-end report highlights a troubling 74 percent rise in piracy incidents in the Singapore Strait and Straits of Malacca, with 108 cases recorded in 2025. While most incidents involved minor thefts, the overall increase raises significant security concerns for vessels navigating these crucial waterways.
