India strongly condemned the attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers during the Gulf conflict at the UN General Assembly, calling such actions “simply unacceptable.” The External Affairs Minister urged all parties to exercise restraint, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy and commerce.
Oil prices fell about 1% as markets weighed potential US-Iran diplomatic progress against fears of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, threatening supply. Brent futures dropped to $105.46 a barrel, while WTI fell to $93.56. Despite Friday’s decline, Brent saw a weekly rise of 2%, contrasting WTI’s 7% drop.
A significant fire broke out on the Ro-Ro cargo vessel Blue Carrier north of Mykonos, prompting a swift emergency response. All 28 crew members and one passenger evacuated safely using lifeboats. Greek authorities deployed multiple resources, including patrol boats and helicopters, to extinguish the blaze and prevent environmental damage.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has officially designated four ports as India’s first “mega ports” under the Indian Ports Act, 2025: Mundra, Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Paradip. This classification prioritizes performance, notably high cargo volumes, indicating a strategic shift in India’s maritime infrastructure focus.
The Puntland Maritime Police Forces (PMPF) successfully rescued the oil tanker MT SIBU 1 from Somali pirates after a fierce firefight off Mudug’s coast. Three fatalities occurred, alongside multiple injuries. The Eritrea-flagged vessel, previously hijacked and under US sanctions, now has its crew of 20 secured and safe.
The recently launched “Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers,” co-chaired by India and Liberia, aims to enhance maritime safety. With representatives from 25 countries, the coalition seeks to combat piracy, protect commercial routes, and prioritize seafarers’ welfare in response to rising threats against global shipping.
The establishment of a Seafarers’ Welfare Centre at Mormugao Port has received official approval, backed by Rs 13 crore from the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society. This initiative aims to enhance support for maritime professionals and includes proposals for a Seamen’s Club, improving facilities and education in the maritime sector.
A senior Yemeni official has expressed alarm over the Houthi militia’s manipulation of maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, labeling it a serious threat to Yemen and the global economy. He cautioned against trusting the Houthis’ “false promises,” emphasizing the need for sustainable maritime security amid ongoing conflict.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has successfully facilitated the timely welfare and repatriation of 15 Indian seafarers stranded in Guinea. After enduring non-payment of wages on the MV GOLDY SEVEN, the DGMA, alongside the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society and the Indian Embassy, provided immediate support for essentials and arranged their return to India.
The fishing vessel Argos Georgia sank after a line-hauling hatch opened unexpectedly in rough seas, claiming 13 lives of its 27 crew members. An investigation revealed that inadequate safety measures and faulty equipment contributed to the disaster. Recommendations included automatic locking systems and improved emergency protocols for fishing vessels.
U.S. and Iranian negotiators in New York are exploring a phased approach to resolve ongoing tensions, focusing on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting sanctions. While Iran seeks economic relief, the U.S. insists on unrestricted vessel passage. Both sides face challenges in yielding leverage, with military tensions escalating.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has reached a milestone by delivering India’s first passenger vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the catamaran ferry FCV Pilot-01. Currently operational on the Ganges River, it features innovative technology, with a length of 24.8 meters, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly transportation on India’s waterways.
The International Maritime Organization’s Secretary-General has declared it illegal for nations to impose fees on vessels in international straits. This statement arises as Iran proposes tolls for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supply, raising concerns about maritime law and regional stability.
The World Maritime Day 2026 celebrations underscored the critical need to enhance Kerala’s maritime sector for youth opportunities. Vice Chancellor A Bijukumar emphasized rethinking the blue economy through community-centered development, advocating for Kochi as a maritime knowledge hub, and promoting collaboration among local institutions to harness the region’s maritime potential.
A week after the Houthis advanced past the IRG forces, South West Yemen appears stabilized. They’ve seized Perim Island and the Ras Menhali peninsula, yet their control remains tenuous. The Houthis are fortifying positions and establishing local governance, reflecting a strategic takeover amid the IRG’s internal divisions. Maritime traffic continues, but risks loom.
