The Goa Maritime Officers Association has urged the government to establish a Mercantile Marine Department office in Vasco, highlighting the need for local certification services. Currently, seafarers must travel outside Goa for these facilities. The association also proposed a Goa Maritime Bhavan and Convention Centre to centralize maritime activities.
Eight Indian seafarers who survived a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Khasab port in Oman are set to return home after completing their travel documentation. The attack, which resulted in one death and another missing crew member, left them stranded without essential documents for 12 days.
Three Indian seafarers have tragically died, one is missing, and four others are injured in recent maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels amid the Iran conflict. Rajesh Kumar Sinha from the Shipping Ministry confirmed that 70 out of 78 seafarers aboard escaped unharmed, while the government monitors the situation closely.
Andhra Pradesh’s Education and IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, unveiled plans for the state to emerge as a global hub for maritime innovation. This initiative includes the establishment of an autonomous maritime shipyard at Juvvaladinne harbor, benefiting local fishing communities and enhancing coastal security and marine technology.
India’s recent decision to enforce stricter documentation checks for end-of-life vessels aims to tackle the growing issue of fake documents in the dark fleet. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) seeks to deter the recycling of ships with fraudulent documentation, safeguarding legitimate ship recyclers in a competitive market.
The suspension of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz raises alarms over India’s energy supplies, with crude oil, LNG, and LPG heavily reliant on West Asian imports. India’s existing reserves may cushion initial impacts, but prolonged disruptions could lead to limited gas supplies, driving inflation and slowing economic growth.
India’s major ports have enacted a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline cargo flow to West Asia amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Effective immediately, this initiative allows transshipment classification for cargo, permitting storage without penalties and prioritizing perishable goods, while enhancing support for domestic market adjustments.
A fishing vessel named Sea Princess caught fire and sank off the coast of Mumbai on March 8, injuring one crew member. All seven aboard were safely evacuated as local fishing boats and the Indian Coast Guard responded to the emergency. An investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) achieved notable recognition at the 15th PSE Conclave & Excellence Awards in New Delhi. Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), received the ‘CMD of the Year’ award for his leadership. GRSE was also honored for its Corporate Governance, CSR, and operational excellence, highlighting its commitment to sustainable growth and inclusivity.
The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has renewed three international ISO certifications, showcasing its commitment to quality management, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety. These certifications—ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018—affirm NMPA’s alignment with global standards and its dedication to operational excellence in India’s maritime sector.
The Directorate General of Shipping of India has issued DGS Circular 10 of 2026, updating safety advisories for seafarers in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. In response to recent maritime threats, shipowners must enhance vigilance, implement safety measures, and provide psychological support for crews facing stress and anxiety.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has issued an advisory to Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas, following recent alarming incidents. Emphasizing constant vigilance and heightened awareness, the alert stems from a serious fire incident on a tanker. This initiative aims to enhance emergency preparedness and crew safety protocols.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has launched a ₹384-crore initiative to become a net-zero maritime hub by 2047. Central to this plan is a significant energy upgrade, increasing solar capacity from 10MW to 30MW, alongside implementing an advanced Energy Management System for real-time energy optimization, setting new sustainability benchmarks.
On March 8, 2026, the Indian Coast Guard vessel Anagh evacuated nine fishermen off Tamil Nadu after their boat, St Joseph, collided with the Vietnam-flagged MS Solis. Rescued from turbulent waters, the fishermen were taken to Vizhinjam harbour for urgent medical attention, with two suffering serious injuries and two still missing.
The Union government plans to enhance security at India’s sea ports by placing them under the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). This initiative aims to create an airport-style security framework across maritime gateways. The CISF will oversee security, conducting assessments and developing plans for key EXIM ports, bolstering defenses against threats.
