The forthcoming Coastal Shipping Bill and Merchant Shipping Bill are set to stimulate coastal shipping and bolster Indian ship ownership, as per Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Shipping and Ports. These bills aim to enhance the maritime sector, promote coastal security, and elevate maritime training standards to drive economic growth in India.
Kamarajar Port (KPL), located near Chennai, celebrates 25 years since its inception in 1999. With a current cargo capacity of around 57.5 MTPA, the port aims to expand to 254.5 MTPA by 2047. Specializing in energy cargo, container cargo, and bulk commodities, KPL is on track to become a mega port.
Two Greek shipping companies have been fined $3.4 million for illegally dumping oily bilge water into the narrow shipping channel between New Jersey and Staten Island. Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, owners of the offending Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby, also face a $1.1 million community service payment.
A dry bulk carrier named the Maccoa, flagged in Cyprus, is currently grounded in Canada’s St. Lawrence River. The vessel, with no signs of pollution or water ingress, departed Montreal on December 23 but became stuck outside the navigation channel on December 24. The Canadian Coast Guard is working on a plan to refloat the ship.
The Bombay High Court recently upheld the eligibility requirements for the modernization of the Gateway of India jetty, including a minimum of ten years of pontoon installation experience. Marinetek India Services Private Ltd contested the criteria but the court ruled in favor of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, ensuring the project’s progress.
Following a collision involving an Indian Navy speedboat and a ferry carrying over 100 passengers, safety concerns prompted a temporary suspension of ferry operations on the affected route. Authorities emphasized the importance of strict safety measures, including the wearing of life jackets, to ensure passenger well-being. This incident highlighted the need for enhanced safety.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) announced a Rs 20,000 crore investment proposal from Terminal Investment Limited Sarl (TIL) of Switzerland for the development of Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra. With a total investment of Rs 76,200 crore, the project aims to transform Vadhvan Port into a world-class facility with cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.
After being detained for over a year aboard the MV Debi at Paradip Port in Odisha, 12 out of the 21 crew members have been allowed to leave. The ship was detained in December 2023 when Indian authorities discovered 22 kilograms of cocaine worth ₹220 crore hidden on board.
Akash Mondal, also known as Irfan, was arrested in Bagerhat for murdering seven individuals aboard the MV Al Bakhera ship on the Meghna River. RAB revealed that Irfan killed the captain out of a personal grudge and attacked the others to cover up his crime. The tragic incident has sparked investigations.
A jackup rig off the coast of Trinidad partially collapsed during drilling operations, injuring one worker and leaving another missing. Search efforts are ongoing, with the Coast Guard deploying resources to locate the missing worker. The incident has prompted an evacuation of the rig, with the operator establishing an incident command center.
The World Maritime University (WMU) has launched a ‘train-the-trainer’ program focusing on educating individuals about alternative fuels in the shipping industry, such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. This initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the changing landscape of maritime fuel options, promoting sustainability and innovation in the industry.
A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an engine room explosion. Two crew members are missing. The ship, owned by Oboronlogistika, was en route to Vladivostok with harbor cranes. The cause of the explosion is unknown. The incident raises concerns about Russian cargo ship safety at sea.
A small container feeder, the Kuala Mas, collided with a product tanker, the Maritim Khatulistiwa, off Kupang, Timor. The Kuala Mas sank due to hull damage, possibly caused by drifting with the current. The crew was safely evacuated, and efforts are being made to prevent pollution from the wreck.
PierSight, an Indian spacetech startup, is gearing up to launch Varuna, its first satellite for maritime surveillance. This private Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite will provide continuous monitoring of maritime activities, regardless of weather conditions. The firm plans to launch a constellation of 32 satellites by 2028 for comprehensive ocean coverage.
On 23 Dec. 2024, the maritime industry saw new amendments to the MLC, 2006 come into effect, aiming to improve seafarers’ working and living conditions in light of COVID-19 challenges. These changes focus on safety, medical care, repatriation, and mental health support, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to seafarers’ well-being and rights.
