Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 50 million metric tonnes of cargo, 19 days ahead of last year. This makes it the fastest major port in India to reach this milestone for the current financial year, highlighting its efficiency, operational capacity, and growth in cargo handling.
The Indian government has advised ship owners and managers against deploying Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating security risks. Recent attacks on vessels have heightened concerns for seafarer safety, prompting the Directorate General of Maritime Administration to emphasize vigilance and adherence to security measures in the region.
India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for 2028–29, prioritizing maritime security and seafarer safety. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a rule-based maritime order and collective action against threats to sea lanes, aiming to enhance global shipping safety and counter terror financing.
The ministry has approved a greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Porbandar, along with a ship repair facility in Vadinar. Spanning 2,000 acres, it will feature advanced shipyards and manufacturing units, aiming to produce large vessels with an annual capacity of 1.2 to 1.5 million gross tonnage, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities.
US President Donald Trump has retracted his proposal for a 20 percent toll on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, shifting focus to trade deals with Gulf states. This rapid change reflects “highly productive conversations” with Middle Eastern leaders, aiming to enhance economic ties while maintaining pressure on Iran’s shipping activities.
The ISWAN SeafarerHelp 2025 Annual Review highlights critical issues for seafarers, with contractual breaches and wage theft comprising 25.4% of helpline cases. Abandonment rates surged to 6,223, exposing systemic exploitation. Financially, abandoned seafarers are owed $25.8 million, with a significant portion still disputed, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory reform.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced a ₹1,100-crore expansion at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, enhancing shipbuilding and repair capabilities. The initiative includes new fabrication shops, support infrastructure, and a skill development center, reinforcing L&T’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth and contributing significantly to India’s maritime sector.
The 2026 Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course, organized by WMU and IMO, concluded on July 8, gathering 23 maritime professionals from 18 countries. The initiative aimed to enhance leadership skills and promote gender equality, featuring online learning and interactive workshops that addressed gender-related challenges in the maritime sector.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has upgraded its online booking platform, adding 340 daily appointment slots for seafarers. This enhancement addresses inefficiencies by recycling canceled slots for immediate use, improving access to Seafarer’s Record Books and Identity Documents. Seafarers are encouraged to check the eGovPH app frequently for updates.
The escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in tragic human casualties, with one Indian seafarer killed and at least ten injured from missile strikes on two commercial tankers. These assaults have heightened concerns over maritime security, as the confirmed death toll among seafarers now stands at 15, revealing the crisis’s harsh impact.
In 2024, nearly 20% of seafarer fatalities were due to work-related incidents, as reported by the International Labor Organization (ILO). A total of 449 deaths were recorded, with illness, particularly cardiovascular issues, being the primary cause. Work-related incidents accounted for 86 fatalities, highlighting urgent safety and medical support needs.
Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai visited injured Indian seafarers following a recent tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The crew members, recovering in various UAE hospitals, received support and reassurance from the Consulate. The attack resulted in significant damage, one fatality, and several injuries among the crew.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) plans to enhance its monitoring framework to include all Indian seafarers, irrespective of their vessel’s flag. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this initiative, aiming to improve safety, regulatory oversight, and support for Indian maritime professionals globally, ensuring compliance with international labor standards.
India’s campaign for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for 2028–29 emphasizes maritime security and safe sea lanes. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the initiative at the UN, highlighting the need for a rules-based maritime order and addressing issues like piracy, seafarer safety, and global trade disruptions.
In response to recent attacks on commercial ships in West Asia, Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the Directorate General of Shipping to establish an operational dashboard for tracking vessels with Indian crews. This initiative aims to ensure real-time monitoring of ships in critical regions, enhancing safety and welfare for seafarers.
