What if the true essence of cruising lies not on land but at sea? Costa Cruises redefines luxury with unique experiences like “Sunset Infinity” in Santorini and “Abisso” in the Calypso Trench. Each moment blends art, music, and nature, crafting profound memories that linger long after the journey ends.
The Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) and the Skies and Seas Hydrogen-fuels Accelerator (SASHA) Coalition have joined forces to advance green shipping technologies. Representing 70 companies, they advocate for policies supporting zero-emission solutions. Their collaboration aims to enhance maritime decarbonization and create a regulatory framework that fosters innovation.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent defence public sector company in Visakhapatnam for 85 years, plans to establish its first satellite shipyard in Andhra Pradesh. Potential locations include Mulapeta and Kakinada port. This expansion aims to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure and support HSL’s transition towards profitable defence and commercial ventures.
The Panamanian Ship Registry has updated its policies to enhance fleet performance and reduce detention risks, particularly targeting older vessels. Effective immediately, registration of oil tankers and bulk carriers over 15 years old is prohibited. This move follows findings that 71% of detentions involved older ships, emphasizing safety and compliance.
V.Ships Leisure has secured a five-year ship management contract with Marella Cruises, managing five cruise ships starting in late 2025. This partnership will enhance local expertise in the UK and utilize V.’s ShipSure platform for efficient fleet management. The collaboration emphasizes sustainability and digital innovation in cruise operations.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Germany’s Reintjes GmbH to enhance marine propulsion technology. This partnership will integrate advanced gear trains with select ship engines, improving efficiency for both defense warships and commercial vessels, thus solidifying GRSE’s commitment to innovation in shipbuilding.
On August 2, 2025, India’s National Waterway 57 on the Kopili River became operational, reviving waterborne freight in Assam. The MV V.V. Giri completed its inaugural cargo trial, transporting 300 metric tonnes of cement over 300 kilometres. This marked a transformative step towards sustainable transport and economic growth in the region.
Zoe, developed by Edinburgh’s Zelim, is an innovative AI detection system enhancing safety in the offshore energy sector. By integrating advanced camera hardware and proprietary software, Zoe automatically identifies and tracks individuals who fall overboard, significantly improving emergency response times and situational awareness on maritime rigs.
PortXchange has called on the global port and shipping community to prioritize immediate decarbonization efforts instead of waiting for perfect emissions data. Managing Director Sjoerd de Jager emphasized that while some ports focus on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, many neglect significant Scope 3 emissions, risking credibility.
The recent incident involving stewardess Paige Bell in the Bahamas highlights critical safety and accountability issues in the yachting industry. With nearly 40% of crew members experiencing unwanted sexual contact, the pervasive culture of silence and inadequate reporting systems must be addressed to protect and empower those affected.
The ports of Hamad, Doha, and Al Ruwais in Qatar demonstrated remarkable growth in July 2025, with ship arrivals up 14.04% year-on-year. Notably, Hamad Port facilitated vital trade with Kuwait, Iraq, and Oman. While cattle and building materials surged, container traffic faced a temporary decline, highlighting dynamic market shifts.
The owner of the container ship Dali has initiated legal action against the builders, citing manufacturing defects linked to a costly incident in March 2024 that damaged the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The case, currently under review in the Federal Court of Baltimore, raises significant concerns about safety standards in the maritime industry.
The Indian shipbuilding industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by the government’s initiatives under Prime Minister Modi. The Union Budget 2025 introduces reforms to enhance shipyard competitiveness, including a revamped financial assistance policy and a Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to modernize capabilities and attract investments.
V. O. Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi has made history as India’s first port to produce green hydrogen and exceed 1 MW in rooftop solar power. Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit announced this at the “Green Ports and Shipping” conference, emphasizing India’s commitment to sustainable maritime operations and net-zero emissions targets.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has mandated that all maritime training for Indian seafarers adhere to national and international standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A recent directive prohibits foreign entities from conducting training in India without prior approval, aiming to uphold India’s maritime education integrity. Violations will incur severe penalties.
