Maharashtra is developing a ₹20,000-crore greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dighi in Raigad, spearheaded by Mazagon Dock. The site’s strategic location near port infrastructure and its extensive industrial land aim to bolster India’s shipbuilding capabilities, attracting investments and enhancing maritime services essential for a robust manufacturing hub.
Adani Ports has sold a 49% stake in Vizhinjam Port to MSC Group for approximately $1.4 billion. This strategic deal positions MSC within a key Indian transshipment hub, enhancing the port’s capacity to handle large container volumes and reducing reliance on foreign facilities, while reinforcing Adani’s market position.
India and Seychelles have strengthened maritime cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ training and certification. This agreement, a result of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, enables qualified Indian seafarers to work on Seychelles-flagged vessels, enhancing employment opportunities and aligning with global maritime standards.
Immigration officials at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport recently apprehended six individuals over two months for attempting to travel abroad with counterfeit seafarer documents. These fraudulent papers, allegedly issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, aimed to secure jobs in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, suggesting an organized crime network.
South Korea is preparing for a second wave of investments in India, focusing on shipbuilding and defence manufacturing. This shift signifies an evolution in bilateral ties, as South Korean firms venture beyond traditional sectors. With India aiming for self-reliance, collaboration in these areas offers significant potential for growth and technological transfer.
The cargo vessel Sitthaa reported flooding off the Indian Coast near Tiruchendur. In response, the Indian Coast Guard dispatched the Atulya to assist. A specialized team boarded the Sitthaa, addressing the flooding and conducting emergency repairs. After stabilizing the situation, the vessel was escorted to port for further inspection.
Rakesh Chauhan, a 33-year-old Indian seafarer from Deoria, tragically died in Venezuela from cardiac arrest. His family, shocked by the absence of vital organs during a post-mortem in India, is demanding accountability from Venezuelan authorities. The Forward Seafarers’ Union of India is advocating for justice and further investigation.
The Directorate General of Shipping has lifted restrictions on Indian vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns for shipowners engaged in Gulf trade. This change reflects an improved risk assessment, allowing standard operations to resume and enhancing cargo movement in a crucial maritime chokepoint for oil and goods.
Mumbai’s SHM Global has been acknowledged for its pioneering indigenous lifeboat development, aligning with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. At the Indian Register of Shipping ceremony, MD Praveen K. Mishra praised the KISS 700 and PN95FA lifeboats, emphasizing SHM’s role in enhancing India’s maritime self-reliance and safety standards.
The Indian Coast Guard has welcomed the ICGS Akshay, a state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessel, in Goa. As the first of eight vessels, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, it enhances coastal security capabilities. Designed for diverse operations, its induction marks a significant step in India’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts and maritime readiness.
On Tuesday, Vijay Kumar, IAS, visited the New Mangalore Port Authority to evaluate its operations and future projects. Welcomed by the Chairman and Deputy Chairperson, he inspected cargo facilities, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. Kumar inaugurated several modernization projects, including a truck parking facility, reflecting a commitment to operational excellence and employee welfare.
The Indian-flagged bulk carrier APJ Priti 2 successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, transporting 65,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser amid regional tensions. This transit is a positive sign for India’s cargo movement, alleviating logistical pressures and ensuring the vital supply of fertiliser for agricultural chains, despite lingering security concerns.
The JSI Alliance successfully completed a challenging project for Afcons Infrastructure Limited in India, constructing a new liquid cargo berth for Gujarat Chemical Port Ltd. Key operations involved heavy lifting of eight jackets and fifteen berthing dolphins amidst strong currents and tidal rises, showcasing innovative solutions and effective collaboration.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from President Patrick Herminie during his first visit to Seychelles since 2015. Their meeting included planting a Coco de Mer sapling, symbolizing environmental cooperation. India also delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel and other aid, reinforcing commitments to maritime security and sustainable development.
On Friday, the Centre announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment in Goa’s maritime sector, focusing on the Goa Water Metro project. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that this initiative will modernize coastal and inland waterways, enhancing urban mobility. The new Captain of Ports Terminal Building symbolizes Goa’s maritime heritage and future aspirations.
