The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has urged fleet owners to limit Indian seafarer deployments in the Persian Gulf due to escalating attacks on vessels. Following the tragic loss of three Indian seafarers in a U.S. strike, the DGS recommended heightened vigilance and adherence to security protocols for ship captains in the region.
India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, led by Mukesh Mangal, is prepared to bolster seafarer repatriation from West Asia as needed. With 562 Indian seafarers currently aboard 13 vessels and recent maritime security incidents raising concerns, the Ministry has already facilitated the safe return of over 3,537 seafarers.
The family of Aditya Sharma, a 23-year-old Indian seafarer who tragically died during an alleged U.S. attack on the MT Settebello, is demanding a thorough investigation. While 21 crew members were rescued, his family’s grief is compounded by concerns over the vessel’s command decisions and working conditions, prompting urgent calls for accountability.
On Wednesday, India summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires to express strong discontent over an attack on the Settebello off Oman’s coast, which left three Indian crew members missing. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the assault, confirming 21 out of 24 crew members were rescued and urging for safe navigation in international waters.
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd has received a Letter of Award from Vadhvan Port Project Limited to construct a 10.14-km offshore breakwater at the new Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra. Valued at ₹5,301 crore, this contract represents Afcons’ largest marine project and signifies a major advancement for India’s largest planned public port.
South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is progressing with a $4 billion greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Set to produce 3.5–4 million gross tonnage of commercial vessels annually, the project follows a MoU with the Tamil Nadu government, enhancing India’s shipbuilding capabilities significantly.
JSW Infrastructure Limited has secured a Letter of Award from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority for the integrated development of the Outer Container Terminal at Kolkata Dock System. This project, awarded under a 30-year PPP framework, aims to enhance container handling capacity and operational efficiency, addressing rising trade volumes.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has blacklisted 88 vessels and restricted 278 others due to the abandonment of Indian seafarers at foreign ports. This action follows alarming reports from the International Transport Workers’ Federation, highlighting the urgent need for compliance with maritime laws and the welfare of seafarers.
Kerala, with its 590-kilometer coastline, is poised to become India’s maritime gateway, according to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The state aims to develop Cochin into a major port hub, enhance minor ports, and expand in deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, and sustainable coastal tourism, unlocking vast opportunities within the blue economy.
The Kerala High Court has allowed three foreign crew members from the sunken cargo vessel MSC ELSA-3 to leave India after over a year, subject to conditions. Four others must remain until their examination is complete. The Liberia-flagged ship’s sinking off Kochi sparked multiple investigations and environmental concerns.
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) has successfully lowered insurance premiums for Indian shipowners, issuing 85 policies in its first month after launch on April 18, 2026. With a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee, it provides essential coverage for various maritime risks, enhancing domestic insurance capabilities against global volatility.
Four Indian sailors stranded for ten months on the Mongolia-flagged AZRA C off Turkey’s coast have finally been rescued. The ship, docked near Istanbul since August 2025, was abandoned after its owners were arrested. Conditions deteriorated, prompting the ITF to provide essential supplies during their ordeal. Legal actions are ongoing.
A significant maritime incident unfolded in the Persian Gulf when the oil tanker MT Marivex caught fire after colliding with an unmanned vessel. Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, concerns about maritime security have intensified. Fortunately, all 24 Indian crew members aboard the tanker are reported safe, and the fire is contained.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority has achieved a milestone by successfully berthing the MV Graceous, a 292-meter Cape-sized bulk carrier, at its EQ-1 berth. Carrying 100,198 metric tonnes of coal, this marks the first accommodation of such a large vessel, highlighting the port’s enhanced operational capabilities and capacity for bulk cargo handling.
Four Indian sailors, stranded for ten months on the abandoned AZRA C off Turkey, have been rescued, confirmed by the ITF. The crew faced worsening conditions after the ship’s owners were arrested during a drug bust. This incident highlights the alarming rise in global seafarer abandonment, particularly affecting Indian nationals.
