Green shipping initiatives are rapidly advancing in India’s maritime sector, with orders for methanol, ammonia, and electric vessels on the rise. Indian ports are enhancing infrastructure to position themselves as green hydrogen hubs. A recent brief highlights both opportunities and challenges, urging stakeholders to strengthen policies and collaborations for sustainable growth.
The Goa government is transitioning the captain of ports department into a state maritime board, as announced by Ports Minister Digambar Kamat. This change aligns with the Indian Ports Act, 2025. Meanwhile, the inauguration of a new terminal has been postponed due to the Chief Minister’s unavailability, raising legal concerns.
Four Indian sailors have been stranded for nearly ten months on the abandoned container ship AZRA C in the Sea of Marmara. Maritime regulations prevent their departure, while the ship’s owners were arrested during a drug trafficking investigation. The crew’s situation is dire, with increasing mental strain and health issues.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has confirmed the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, with no incidents reported in 72 hours. Director Opesh Kumar Sharma reassured the public, stating that the situation remains stable and the Directorate General of Shipping is actively coordinating for seafarers’ welfare.
The Central government confirmed on Thursday that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf and West Asia are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the last 72 hours. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively monitoring the situation to ensure the welfare of seafarers and maritime operations.
ABB has secured a contract with Cochin Shipyard to provide power and propulsion systems for two electric tugs under India’s Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). Scheduled for delivery in 2027, these tugs will operate at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, marking a significant step toward greener maritime operations in India.
India’s shipping and logistics sector is grappling with unprecedented challenges due to escalating conflicts in West Asia, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz. The nation is rapidly adapting its routes, significantly increasing traffic through alternatives like the Red Sea, while domestic inflation pressures mount due to rising transport costs.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority in Navi Mumbai, accompanied by a 67-member delegation, to explore maritime cooperation. He expressed keen interest in port operations and underscored Myanmar’s readiness to enhance connectivity. The visit aimed to strengthen India-Myanmar ties and boost regional maritime trade initiatives.
The recent conflict in Iran, paired with the southwest monsoon, underscores Salaya port’s crucial role in Gujarat’s mechanised sailing vessel trade with the Gulf. Serving as a safe haven for 175 MSVs, Salaya enables the transportation of vital goods, while also facilitating regulatory changes to enhance safety for these vessels amid geopolitical tensions.
As the West Asia conflict endures, India has facilitated safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing stranded vessels from 36-38 to 13 since February 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs played a crucial role in diplomacy, ensuring efficient transit for Indian-flagged ships amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY2024-25 and four digital initiatives to modernize India’s maritime governance at the 37th Foundation Day of JNPA in Mumbai. The LPPI benchmarks port efficiency and aims to improve transparency and competition across India’s ports. Notably, V.O. Chidambaranar Port ranked third nationally.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has taken a noteworthy step in global commercial shipbuilding by laying the keel for its fourth vessel in the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) project. This milestone reflects GRSE’s commitment to the “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, enhancing its international presence.
India has significantly reduced logistics costs by nearly one-third through extensive infrastructure investments, notably under PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy. Key advancements like Dedicated Freight Corridors have transformed cargo movement, enhancing efficiency across sectors. The goal is to lower logistics costs to 8% of GDP by 2047, promoting global competitiveness.
Italy has formed a dedicated task force with India to combat financial support for terrorism, announced Ambassador Antonio Bartoli. Both nations are set to launch a maritime security framework to ensure freedom of navigation. The collaboration extends to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, enhancing economic and cultural ties.
Adani Group’s Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 2 million TEUs in container throughput within just 18 months of operation. This positions it as India’s latest deep-water transshipment hub, reflecting significant growth and enhancing the nation’s maritime capabilities, with plans for a major expansion underway.
