India’s Directorate General of Shipping has petitioned the Bombay High Court to expedite a third auction for the abandoned vessel Sencer 1, moored in Mumbai since June 2025. This follows the release of five stranded seafarers who endured harsh conditions for nearly ten months. Swift action is needed to address maritime claims.
In response to rising safety concerns for Indian seafarers amid recent vessel attacks in West Asia, the Directorate General of Shipping has launched e-Navik 24×7, a digital grievance redressal platform. This initiative enables seafarers and shipping companies to submit and track complaints in real time, enhancing support and efficiency.
The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) has formally protested to the US Ambassador regarding the deaths of three Indian seafarers in recent military actions. Expressing “deep pain and anguish,” SJM criticized the US response as insensitive and called for an impartial investigation, accountability, and compensation for the victims’ families.
Shyam Jagannathan, India’s Director General of Shipping, has introduced an eight-pillar decarbonization roadmap for the maritime sector, essential for 90%-95% of international trade. Emphasizing green fuels, ship recycling, and seafarer training, he called for sustainable shipping investments to combat shipping’s 2%-3% global carbon emissions contribution, ensuring a greener future for India.
The Mission to Seafarers welcomed the recent agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Secretary General Peter Rouch highlighting its potential for regional stability. However, he cautioned that the impacts of ongoing conflict will affect seafarers and their families long-term, emphasizing the need for improved welfare measures and safety protocols.
On June 16, 2026, President Donald Trump asserted that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen by Friday, crucial for global oil supplies. However, European allies at the G7 summit expressed skepticism, highlighting internal divisions and linking their support to conditions in Lebanon, raising doubts about the feasibility of Trump’s timeline.
Norway is poised to construct the Stad Ship Tunnel, the first full-scale maritime tunnel aimed at enhancing vessel safety along its treacherous coast. Excavating 3 million cubic meters of rock, this project will allow ships to bypass the dangerous Stadhavet area, significantly improving safety for maritime traffic. A parliamentary vote on funding is crucial.
On June 16, a senior U.S. official announced that Iran would soon be allowed to sell oil and fuel, following a memorandum aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts. This agreement, to be signed soon, waives sanctions on Iranian oil, contingent on Iran meeting specific performance-based terms related to nuclear commitments and navigation rights.
The Indian LNG carrier Disha has made history by navigating the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first LNG vessel bound for India to depart this high-risk area in over three months. Managed by the Shipping Corporation of India and chartered by Petronet LNG, it carries approximately 62,370 metric tonnes of LNG.
JSW Infrastructure Ltd, part of the $23 billion JSW group, is evaluating a proposed greenfield deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar, West Bengal. This decision follows the state government’s announcement of shifting from Tajpur, aligning with JSW’s commitment to industrial growth and increasing cargo demands, supported by improved connectivity and land availability.
Over 562 Indian sailors have been stranded for 107 days on 13 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The situation has led to uncertainty at sea, with ongoing efforts to address crew welfare and individual vessel incidents.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding, HD Hyundai Robotics, and KCC to develop a Total Hull Care Solution. This initiative focuses on advanced technology for real-time hull diagnostics, autonomous underwater robots, and optimizing fuel efficiency, aiming to revolutionize ship maintenance and reduce emissions.
Twelve cargo ships carrying vital supplies of urea and DAP are set to arrive at Indian ports within the next week, offering essential support for the upcoming kharif planting season. With current fertilizer stocks deemed sufficient, proactive measures are in place to ensure farmers receive adequate resources for agricultural productivity.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to bolster India’s maritime security as a Recognised Security Organisation under the ISPS Code. This initiative supports the vision of a technology-driven security framework, enhancing port safety and aligning with India’s Blue Economy 2.0 and Amrit Kaal 2047 objectives.
Iran has mandated a “maritime service fee” for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, clarifying it is not a toll but for navigation assistance and environmental protections. Despite a framework agreement with the U.S. aimed at peace, officials express deep-seated distrust, emphasizing the need for U.S. adherence to commitments.
