In FY25, Alang-Sosiya in Gujarat recycled only 113 ships, the lowest in a decade, with a Light Displacement Tonnage of 10.06199 lakhs. The decline is due to booming freight rates, as fleet owners choose to keep old ships. Despite this, there is potential for increased volumes in the future.
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) is cracking down on vessels and owners on international sanctions lists. Since Executive Decree No. 512, 125 vessels have been reviewed, with 107 cancellations and 18 cases pending. Panama also has laws for deregistering vessels involved in criminal activities, illegal fishing, and terrorism financing, showing a commitment to responsible ship registry management.
Royal3D, a company specializing in large-scale additive manufacturing, has expanded into the maritime and heavy-duty manufacturing sectors with their LFAM technology. They are developing the ShearWater Aquatic Drone, integrating maritime AI-driven technology and 3D printing to enhance safety and efficiency in port inspections. The drone is made from recycled materials, showcasing Royal3D’s commitment to sustainability.
Stena Line introduces Stena Futuro, a 240-meter-long roro vessel designed for maximum cargo space efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Featuring hybrid propulsion, battery systems, and wing sails, the ship aims to set a new standard for fuel-efficient vessels in maritime transportation, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and innovation in the industry.
The Baltic Exchange has introduced a Fuel Equivalence Converter for the maritime industry, aiding in the assessment of alternative fuels’ impacts. This digital calculator helps owners, traders, and charterers understand different marine fuels’ properties and their energy content. It is crucial for reducing compliance costs and transitioning to cleaner fuel options in the shipping sector.
Indian maritime veteran Vijay D Chafekar has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre in Singapore. With 37 years of experience, he aims to continue efforts in curbing piracy and sea robbery incidents in Asia through effective information sharing.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is actively participating in The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) to promote net zero emissions in the maritime industry. Managed by Innovate UK, the CMDC funds green technology projects for decarbonization. MCA’s HQ Consultant Surveyor, Gwen Lancaster, highlights the importance of innovative projects in advancing clean maritime technologies.
A collaborative rescue effort involving local law enforcement and the coast guard recently saved a 23-year-old seafarer with spinal injuries on the Hudson River. The injured fourth assistant engineer from a Chinese freighter, Sheng Ping Hai, was swiftly evacuated to a hospital. The successful operation showcased seamless cooperation between international maritime operations and local Authorities.
A.P. Møller Holding, through its subsidiary APMH Invest, has made a cash offer to acquire all issued shares of Svitzer Group. The offer values Svitzer at $1.3 billion, representing a 31.7% premium. APMH believes private ownership will support Svitzer’s growth. The offer has been recommended by the Svitzer Board of Directors.
The Centre’s Sagarmala programme has completed 272 projects worth Rs. 1.41 lakh crores, increasing port capacity by 528 million tonnes per annum. Led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the initiative aims to promote port-led development by utilizing India’s coastline for economic growth and community empowerment.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, DP World’s Container Terminal in Cochin set a new volume record, handling 834,665 TEUs with an 11% year-on-year growth. Various segments like transshipment, foreign exports, coastal exports, reefer volumes, and single-vessel transactions also achieved new records. The terminal plays a crucial role in regional trade in South and East India.
In March 2025, DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform reported 25 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels. Methanol was the top choice with 12 orders, followed by LNG and ammonia. Despite a 13% decrease in orders compared to 2024, optimism remains high for the future of alternative fuels in the maritime industry.
Lloyd’s Register’s latest Fuel for Thought report highlights LNG’s dominance as the primary alternative marine fuel, citing its cost-effectiveness, emissions compliance, and growth in orders for LNG-capable vessels. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing methane slip and advancing cleaner LNG production methods for long-term sustainability. Industry leaders are embracing LNG for decarbonization strategies.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, announced plans for six harbor clusters in India. These clusters, including Cochin-Vizhinjam, Galathea South Bay, and Paradip, aim to boost capacity to over 500 MTPA by 2047. The focus is on infrastructural development under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision to meet future demands efficiently.
The Global Maritime Forum introduced the “Sustainable Crewing Guidelines” during Singapore Maritime Week to enhance seafarers’ working conditions and combat an expected shortage of 90,000 professionals by 2026. These guidelines, based on the Diversity@Sea program, focus on creating safer, more inclusive maritime workplaces by addressing key issues like harassment prevention and career advancement.
