As part of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, the country is transitioning to electric harbour tugs, with the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) leading the way. Major ports like Deendayal and Jawaharlal Nehru are among the first globally to adopt fully electric towing fleets, promoting sustainability in maritime operations.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) recently surpassed 8 million TEUs in container throughput, alongside a record cargo achievement of 100 million metric tonnes. This success, attributed to robust collaborations with terminal operators, highlights JNPA’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and supporting India’s ambition as a global maritime hub.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has launched India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR) to improve maritime emergency response. Located at Dighi Port and Gopalpur Port, the initiative aims to enhance safety for distressed vessels and support critical services like salvage and pollution containment, aligning with global maritime standards.
India has launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to safeguard merchant vessels transporting energy supplies from the Persian Gulf. This operation shifts focus towards a strategic plan for 22 Indian-flagged vessels, crucial for LNG, LPG, and crude oil. Coordination with Iranian authorities aims to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DBGT) in Tamil Nadu achieved a milestone by welcoming its first 100% transhipment vessel, MSC Krystal, on March 26. Handling 1,307 TEUs not linked to Indian ports, this event marks DBGT’s readiness to capture transhipment traffic and bolster India’s position in global shipping routes.
Parents of four Indian seafarers stranded on the DIVA near Basra, Iraq, are pleading with the government for urgent repatriation. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has contacted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for immediate evacuation due to the vessel’s proximity to active bombardment zones.
In the past 24 hours, the Indian Shipping Ministry reported no incidents involving Indian ships or seafarers, confirming the safety of all 540 crew members in the Persian Gulf. This announcement aims to alleviate concerns amid rising maritime tensions, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting its maritime workforce and ensuring their safety.
India has secured its first cargo of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in years, following a temporary easing of U.S. sanctions. The sanctioned tanker, Aurora, is set to arrive at Mangalore soon. The LPG will be distributed among major retailers, with payments made in rupees, amid India’s ongoing gas crisis.
On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the critical situation in the Middle East, particularly the significance of the Strait of Hormuz. Modi emphasized India’s commitment to de-escalation, noting the strait’s essential role in global trade, especially regarding India’s crude oil imports, amid rising tensions.
Argentina has significantly boosted its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports to India, effectively doubling shipment volumes to address supply gaps from West Asian energy route disruptions, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian importers are leveraging Argentina’s enhanced capacity and competitive pricing, marking a strategic shift in LPG sourcing.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is exploring a four-year concession extension for the Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT), expiring June 30, 2027. This proposal aims to align NSICT’s tenure with the adjacent DP World-operated terminal until 2031, facilitating a unified mega-terminal strategy for India’s largest container port.
The Indian government has reinstated full benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for exporters impacted by the West Asia crisis, addressing rising logistics costs and supply chain issues linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure. This restoration is vital for labor-intensive sectors facing heightened freight rates and War Risk Surcharges, ensuring competitiveness amidst challenges.
Last week, the MSC Alexandra lost its moorings during a sudden thunderstorm, colliding with a new pier at Mundra Port, India. Strong winds broke the ship’s mooring lines, causing it to drift. Fortunately, waterfront workers escaped just before the incident, while the ship sounded its horn to warn others.
Two Indian-flagged very large gas carriers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking a cautious return of Indian vessels to this vital energy route amid geopolitical tensions. Their transit illustrates Iran’s selective access policy for non-adversarial nations, vital for India’s LPG supply chain.
The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is essential to India’s energy security, recently welcoming the oil tanker Aqua Titan with 96,099 tonnes of crude oil and the Pysix Pioneer carrying 16,714 tonnes of LPG. These shipments reflect the government’s proactive measures to stabilize fuel supply amid global uncertainties.
