India and Cyprus held their inaugural Joint Maritime Committee meeting in Limassol on September 29, co-chaired by officials from both nations. This pivotal gathering, under the 2017 Agreement on Merchant Shipping, focused on maritime education, investment opportunities, and collaboration, marking a significant step in enhancing bilateral maritime relations.
Port and maritime unions are urgently calling for stricter safety measures to protect Indian seafarers navigating conflict-affected shipping routes. Rising security threats and recent disruptions have heightened concerns over their safety. Unions demand improved risk assessments, better communication, and comprehensive support for crews operating in high-risk areas to ensure their well-being.
At the 65th anniversary celebration of the Shipping Corporation of India in Mumbai, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted SCI’s essential role in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities. He underscored the need for a robust Indian-owned fleet to achieve national goals, especially in shipbuilding, energy security, and trade, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Currently, 163 Indian seafarers are aboard 12 vessels in the Persian Gulf, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs. Six vessels are Indian-flagged, while the others are foreign-flagged, carrying cargo to India. The Ministry of Shipping is actively ensuring their safety and well-being amid regional tensions.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) is launching the Comprehensive Shipbuilding Portal to enhance connectivity within India’s shipbuilding sector. This digital platform will unify shipbuilders, design agencies, and regulatory bodies, fostering collaboration and information sharing. It aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, aiming to strengthen domestic capabilities and skills.
India’s Ministry of Mines announced the auction of offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea, starting Thursday, to boost deep-sea mining efforts. This follows amendments to the law in 2023 and aims to attract interest after a previous auction’s failure. The blocks are vital for electric mobility and renewable energy.
The Indian Coast Guard, in collaboration with Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, intercepted a maritime drug smuggling operation in the Arabian Sea on September 25. They seized approximately 526 kg of narcotics, valued over Rs 3,000 crore, and arrested five Pakistani nationals aboard an Iranian dhow, enhancing efforts against drug trafficking.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has granted type approval to WAYSHIP, an electronic record book by Volteo Maritime. This innovation digitizes essential shipboard records, enhancing accessibility and streamlining management. WAYSHIP supports various statutory documents, promoting efficiency in inspections and data analysis while reducing reliance on traditional paper formats.
Gujarat Maritime University has initiated a two-week capacity-building program on Maritime Law, Governance, and Administration for senior officers of the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. Led by Dr. Justice Kaushal J. Thaker, the program aims to enhance understanding of legal frameworks, preparing participants for emerging challenges in India’s maritime sector.
India is actively monitoring the safety of over 4,500 Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, including 163 aboard 12…
On September 27, 2026, the Paradip Port Authority initiated an emergency response for the MT SEAGULL 9 after it reported an engine failure and water ingress 35 nautical miles from port. Quick coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and effective deployment of resources ensured the vessel was safely towed back by September 28.
VOC Port reported a remarkable 74.5% increase in wind turbine blade handling from April to August 2026, managing 2,188 blades compared to 1,254 in the prior fiscal year. With 52 vessels transporting these components, the port is expanding its infrastructure to meet the growing logistics demands of India’s renewable energy sector.
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL), India’s first maritime non-banking financial institution, has retracted its inaugural ₹600 crore blue bond issuance amid investor demands for higher coupon rates. Despite attempts to price the 10-year bonds below 8%, bids ranged from 7.69% to 8.44%, prompting the withdrawal amid rising borrowing costs.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has partnered with the International Finance Corporation to introduce India’s first blue financing framework for the maritime sector. With a US$70 million investment, this initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by 63% and air pollution by 90%, while creating over 400 jobs in the process.
A specialized damage control team from the Indian Coast Guard responded to flooding on the product tanker Sea Gull 9 off India’s northeastern coast. The vessel, carrying palm oil, reported uncontrolled flooding and engine failure. The Coast Guard successfully deployed pumps and contained leaks, ensuring the tanker was safely anchored for repairs.
