India’s Union Cabinet in New Delhi has approved the Rs 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme. Running to FY 2039-40, it aims to lift yearly box-making capacity from about 70,000 TEU to 7.5 lakh TEU, raise local content to 90% and create over 50,000 jobs.
The Indian Coast Guard held PREx-26, an area-level pollution response exercise, in the Arabian Sea off Porbandar, Gujarat, on 29 October. Representatives from INCOIS, the Gujarat Maritime Board and other agencies took part to test coordination for a coastal oil spill on India’s busy north-west coast.
The Indian Coast Guard has rescued all 20 crew of the bulk carrier Sigma Pearl, which ran aground off Antarvedi in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district during Cyclone Arnab. A helicopter and ICGS Sujay completed the rescue on 29 October with no loss of life, and the ship will be towed later.
The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Sigma Pearl ran aground near Antarvedi, off Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, after losing propulsion as Cyclone Arnab struck India’s east coast on 28 October. The crew are reported safe, and the Indian Coast Guard has sent a helicopter and an offshore patrol vessel.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs told reporters in New Delhi that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have died in the West Asia conflict. Indian missions across the Gulf are in touch with Indian crews and workers as attacks on merchant ships around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea continue.
The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India wants urgent action for 22 crew on MV New Born near the Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman. Nineteen are Indian. The union says the ship received a threat reportedly from the Iranian Navy, and crew asking to sign off have had no reply.
India’s Finance Ministry has approved INR 4.31 billion (approx. US$45 million) in funding for dredging operations by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA) in Kolkata for FY 2024-26. Total costs are projected at INR 7.64 billion, necessitating SMPA to cover the remaining INR 3.34 billion amid ongoing siltation challenges.
India’s Naukosh, a digital platform set to launch by 2026, aims to enhance connectivity in the shipbuilding and repair sectors. It will serve as a hub for businesses, regulatory bodies, and training organizations, providing vital industry insights and investment opportunities while facilitating collaboration among various maritime stakeholders for sustainable growth.
India has the potential to become a marine-fuel hub due to its infrastructure, but it lacks a strong commercial appeal compared to Singapore. A DNV study highlights a significant competitiveness gap, with Indian ports selling only 2.25 million tonnes of marine fuel in 2024 versus Singapore’s 54.92 million tonnes.
During his visit to the Port of Rotterdam, Union Minister Piyush Goyal outlined India’s maritime ambitions, highlighting the Sagarmala programme’s role in enhancing infrastructure. He announced plans for a maritime institute in Mumbai, aiming to equip youth with skills for the global shipping industry, thereby boosting India’s maritime workforce contribution.
The Kanaklata Barua is a 24.8-meter catamaran designed for safe navigation in shallow waters. With a gross tonnage of 74 and a depth of 1.7 meters, it features a durable fiberglass structure. Passenger comfort is prioritized through efficient air conditioning and enhanced visibility at the helm station.
Vizhinjam port has successfully resumed crew-change operations after the Covid-19 pandemic, facilitating the sign-on of three seafarers and the sign-off of three from MV Nexor. This operation marks a significant revival for the Kerala port, previously a key crew-change hub, enhancing maritime support along the state’s coastline.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is in South Korea to enhance maritime cooperation, focusing on shipping and shipbuilding partnerships. Excited to engage with industry leaders and the Indian diaspora, he aims to explore collaboration opportunities through ministerial dialogues. His visit highlights the significant contributions of the Indian community to the maritime sector.
Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port has achieved “green terminal” status following the complete electrification of its operational equipment. This initiative includes the inauguration of 13 electric Internal Transfer Vehicles, significantly reducing emissions and diesel consumption, while enhancing environmentally friendly container handling at the facility.
Maersk’s container ship, Maersk Chattogram, is set for its inaugural drydocking at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard on October 20, 2026. This milestone reflects the partnership between A.P. Moller-Maersk and Larsen & Toubro, focusing on shipbuilding collaboration and enhancing India’s standing in global maritime standards and capabilities.
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