India is set to demonstrate its maritime leadership at SMM Hamburg 2026, taking place from September 1 to 4. A distinguished delegation, including senior policymakers, will showcase advancements in maritime infrastructure, technology, and sustainability initiatives, emphasizing India’s commitment to enhancing international collaboration and investment in the maritime sector.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board has approved initiatives to enhance water transport, port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and coastal tourism. During a meeting led by Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, the board emphasized a transparent tender process for the Mumbai Water Metro project and greenlit a shipbuilding cluster in Dighi to attract investments and create jobs.
India has launched the BMIP, a government-backed P&I insurance scheme, with its first policies issued in July 2026. Initially covering the Shipping Corporation of India, this scheme addresses critical insurance needs for Indian shipowners, mitigating reliance on international clubs and enhancing coverage against liabilities like crew injuries and pollution incidents.
The Vizhinjam port in Kerala has received approval for crew change operations for various vessels. The Kerala Maritime Board plans to upgrade facilities, including a lounge and facilitation center, to enhance crew experiences. These developments aim to accommodate increased activity and generate stable revenue, benefiting the local economy and hospitality sector.
Wirana Shipping has observed a positive shift in India’s ship recycling market, fueled by rising steel demand. Recent reports indicate increasing steel prices, with local plate prices up by $4/MT. While Bangladesh’s market struggles with sluggish demand and financing issues, optimism in India suggests potential for improved recycler prices ahead.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Shell Energy India have signed a non-binding MoU to explore collaboration in deepwater oil and gas exploration and LNG sourcing. This partnership will enhance India’s energy landscape by attracting investments and addressing rising energy demand while tapping into international expertise for offshore projects.
On Tuesday, India’s High Commissioner to Seychelles, Rohit Rathish, delivered five laser radial boats to the Chief of Defence Forces, fulfilling a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his June visit. This initiative enhances the Seychelles Defence Force’s seamanship skills, reinforcing the maritime partnership between India and Seychelles.
In July, India’s imports of Russian crude oil soared to 2.8 million barrels per day, comprising 55.5% of total crude purchases. This marked a significant increase amidst rising tensions in key shipping routes. Despite potential U.S. tariffs, Indian officials emphasize economic rationale over geopolitics in their oil procurement strategy.
Coastal shipping in India is undergoing a transformative shift, propelled by new policies and infrastructural advancements. With an 11,098 km coastline, its potential is now being harnessed, demonstrated by a projected cargo increase from 119.5 million tonnes in FY15 to 213.5 million tonnes by FY26, thanks to the Coastal Shipping Act of 2025.
In response to geopolitical tensions, India has expanded its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourcing from six to 15 countries, enhancing energy security and mitigating maritime transit challenges. Additionally, crude oil sourcing has increased from 27 to 41 countries, aiming to reduce reliance on specific regions and improve resilience against supply disruptions.
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has contracted Shearwater Geoservices AS for 3D seismic surveys along India’s coasts. Two high-capacity vessels will survey the West and East coasts, starting in Q4 2026. These surveys aim to enhance geological mapping for potential oil and gas deposits, crucial for domestic energy exploration.
Sasikumar highlighted the challenges large vessels face, noting the limited crew size makes continuous deck monitoring difficult. He raised concerns about rising fire incidents, particularly from lithium-ion batteries, which can escalate rapidly. Dtyle.AI’s edge devices provide timely fire detection, demonstrating effectiveness even in low bandwidth conditions during a recent pilot at Chennai Port.
India has launched its first sovereign-backed maritime insurance initiative to enhance domestic capacity for shipowners and cargo stakeholders amid fluctuating geopolitical conditions. This initiative aims to provide essential support in a sector facing rising costs and risks, while also addressing the need for reliable insurance solutions in a volatile market.
The Government of India launched E-Samudra, a digital platform to modernize maritime governance, enhancing services for seafarers, shipping companies, and ports. Initiated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, it streamlines maritime processes with features like online payments and real-time tracking, emphasizing seafarer welfare and positioning India as a leading maritime player.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently met with stakeholders in Mumbai to address seafarer security, safety, and welfare amid geopolitical tensions affecting the shipping industry. Emphasizing the government’s commitment, he discussed collaborative efforts to enhance protections for seafarers, crucial for global trade and maritime operations.
