Vizhinjam Port has achieved a significant milestone, recording 1,000 vessel calls within just two years of operation. This rapid success cements its position as a crucial transshipment hub on India’s southern coast, enhancing Kerala’s maritime ambitions and highlighting the importance of efficient infrastructure in global container shipping.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has granted a two-year extension to senior IAS officer Shyam Jagannathan as Director General (Shipping) in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways until June 1, 2028. This extension supports vital maritime reforms, enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure and competitiveness in global trade.
India and Mauritius are set to enhance their maritime partnership through container terminal development. This initiative aims to improve port infrastructure and regional trade connectivity in the Indian Ocean. By partnering, Mauritius seeks technical expertise and project collaboration, positioning itself as a key transshipment hub, while India advances its maritime outreach.
India’s Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, has assured the safety of Indian seafarers as maritime traffic resumes in the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial corridor supports global trade, especially energy and cargo shipments, and its revival alleviates concerns among shipping operators, with authorities monitoring the situation for continued safety and stability.
Kochi is set to welcome its third roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel next month, enhancing water transport and easing congestion on the busy Vypeen–Fort Kochi route. This new ferry, designed for quick boarding, aims to improve last-mile connectivity, benefiting daily commuters and tourists while reducing waiting times and road traffic.
Recent congestion at Nhava Sheva port highlights the vulnerability of India’s supply chains. Minor disruptions can affect shipping schedules, costs, and delivery commitments. Exporters and importers face risks such as late shipments and higher charges, underlining a mismatch between cargo growth and the port’s infrastructure readiness.
In a bid to enhance its blue economy, the Odisha government is utilizing advanced technologies to combat sea-borne threats like terrorism and illegal fishing. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the transformative impact of AI and integrated command systems on maritime security, highlighting the state’s strategic coastal position along the Bay of Bengal.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched new initiatives at V.O. Chidambaranar Port to promote green energy and digital transformation. Key projects include a green hydrogen pilot facility and a maritime heritage museum. These developments aim to establish VOC Port as a leading sustainable hub, enhancing the region’s economic and environmental contributions.
Four cargo vessels laden with fertilizers have successfully navigated the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz, en route to India, as confirmed by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. These ships are vital for bolstering India’s fertilizer stock ahead of the Kharif sowing season, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW), part of a consortium led by Knowledge Shipyard, has secured a ₹66.11 crore contract from the Inland Waterways Authority of India to design 10 hybrid electric passenger ferries. This initiative emphasizes sustainable transport, enhancing passenger mobility while supporting India’s green initiatives in inland waterways.
India has emerged as the leading nation in ship recycling, capturing a 35.4% global market share in 2025, up from 30.1% in 2024. With a ship recycling volume of 2.99 million gross tons, this milestone reflects effective maritime policy reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability and compliance with international standards.
In May 2026, DP World Cochin’s International Container Transshipment Terminal achieved a record throughput of 77,637 TEUs, underscoring its vital role in trade. Year-to-date volumes grew 4%, driven by improved transshipment and 17 additional vessel calls, reflecting the team’s commitment and enhancing regional trade infrastructure.
Prominent Indian jurist Bimal Patel has been elected as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). Currently a member of the UN International Law Commission, Patel also serves as Vice-Chancellor at Rashtriya Raksha University. His election underscores India’s commitment to multilateralism and maritime law principles.
The Andhra Pradesh government has officially moved the headquarters of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) to Amaravati from Kakinada. This decision, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency, follows a proposal from the Maritime Board’s CEO and includes relocating key offices and staff to streamline port development activities.
India’s first indigenous LNG tanker, the Disha, has successfully docked at the Dahej terminal in Gujarat after navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This landmark achievement enhances India’s energy logistics capabilities, supporting the nation’s efforts to secure energy supplies and reduce reliance on foreign vessels while strengthening local maritime operations.
