The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) celebrated its Golden Jubilee in Visakhapatnam, marking 50 years of enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure. Founded in 1976, DCIL now handles nearly 80% of the country’s maintenance dredging, with revenue soaring to ₹1,148 crore last year. The event highlighted future ventures and global aspirations.
The Indian government reported that twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 seafarers are under surveillance in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of Ports confirmed all seafarers are safe, with no incidents in the last 24 hours. Ongoing coordination with maritime stakeholders ensures their welfare and smooth port operations across India.
Two Indian LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, are heading to India with a combined 94,000 metric tonnes of LPG. BW TYR is set to arrive in Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM will reach New Mangalore on April 1. The Ministry of Ports ensures safety measures for seafarers.
Four weeks into the conflict, India’s trade with West Asia has plummeted, with exports nearly grinding to a halt since March 1. Pankaj Chadha emphasized the disruption caused by the Hormuz blockade, affecting shipping, air cargo, and creating a financial crisis for exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises reliant on timely payments.
As part of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, the country is transitioning to electric harbour tugs, with the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) leading the way. Major ports like Deendayal and Jawaharlal Nehru are among the first globally to adopt fully electric towing fleets, promoting sustainability in maritime operations.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) recently surpassed 8 million TEUs in container throughput, alongside a record cargo achievement of 100 million metric tonnes. This success, attributed to robust collaborations with terminal operators, highlights JNPA’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and supporting India’s ambition as a global maritime hub.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has launched India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR) to improve maritime emergency response. Located at Dighi Port and Gopalpur Port, the initiative aims to enhance safety for distressed vessels and support critical services like salvage and pollution containment, aligning with global maritime standards.
India has launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to safeguard merchant vessels transporting energy supplies from the Persian Gulf. This operation shifts focus towards a strategic plan for 22 Indian-flagged vessels, crucial for LNG, LPG, and crude oil. Coordination with Iranian authorities aims to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DBGT) in Tamil Nadu achieved a milestone by welcoming its first 100% transhipment vessel, MSC Krystal, on March 26. Handling 1,307 TEUs not linked to Indian ports, this event marks DBGT’s readiness to capture transhipment traffic and bolster India’s position in global shipping routes.
Parents of four Indian seafarers stranded on the DIVA near Basra, Iraq, are pleading with the government for urgent repatriation. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has contacted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for immediate evacuation due to the vessel’s proximity to active bombardment zones.
In the past 24 hours, the Indian Shipping Ministry reported no incidents involving Indian ships or seafarers, confirming the safety of all 540 crew members in the Persian Gulf. This announcement aims to alleviate concerns amid rising maritime tensions, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting its maritime workforce and ensuring their safety.
India has secured its first cargo of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in years, following a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions. The sanctioned tanker, Aurora, is set to arrive at Mangalore soon. The LPG will be distributed among major retailers, with payments made in rupees, amid India’s ongoing gas crisis.
On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the critical situation in the Middle East, particularly the significance of the Strait of Hormuz. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to de-escalation, noting the strait’s essential role in global trade, especially regarding India’s crude oil imports, amid rising tensions.
Argentina has significantly boosted its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports to India, effectively doubling shipment volumes to address supply gaps from West Asian energy route disruptions, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian importers are leveraging Argentina’s enhanced capacity and competitive pricing, marking a strategic shift in LPG sourcing.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is exploring a four-year concession extension for the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT), expiring June 30, 2027. This proposal aims to align NSICT’s tenure with the adjacent DP World-operated terminal until 2031, facilitating a unified mega-terminal strategy for India’s largest container port.
