South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is progressing with a $4 billion greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Set to produce 3.5–4 million gross tonnage of commercial vessels annually, the project follows a MoU with the Tamil Nadu government, enhancing India’s shipbuilding capabilities significantly.
JSW Infrastructure Limited has secured a Letter of Award from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority for the integrated development of the Outer Container Terminal at Kolkata Dock System. This project, awarded under a 30-year PPP framework, aims to enhance container handling capacity and operational efficiency, addressing rising trade volumes.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has blacklisted 88 vessels and restricted 278 others due to the abandonment of Indian seafarers at foreign ports. This action follows alarming reports from the International Transport Workers’ Federation, highlighting the urgent need for compliance with maritime laws and the welfare of seafarers.
Kerala, with its 590-kilometer coastline, is poised to become India’s maritime gateway, according to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The state aims to develop Cochin into a major port hub, enhance minor ports, and expand in deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, and sustainable coastal tourism, unlocking vast opportunities within the blue economy.
The Kerala High Court has allowed three foreign crew members from the sunken cargo vessel MSC ELSA-3 to leave India after over a year, subject to conditions. Four others must remain until their examination is complete. The Liberia-flagged ship’s sinking off Kochi sparked multiple investigations and environmental concerns.
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) has successfully lowered insurance premiums for Indian shipowners, issuing 85 policies in its first month after launch on April 18, 2026. With a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee, it provides essential coverage for various maritime risks, enhancing domestic insurance capabilities against global volatility.
Four Indian sailors stranded for ten months on the Mongolia-flagged AZRA C off Turkey’s coast have finally been rescued. The ship, docked near Istanbul since August 2025, was abandoned after its owners were arrested. Conditions deteriorated, prompting the ITF to provide essential supplies during their ordeal. Legal actions are ongoing.
A significant maritime incident unfolded in the Persian Gulf when the oil tanker MT Marivex caught fire after colliding with an unmanned vessel. Amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel, concerns about maritime security have intensified. Fortunately, all 24 Indian crew members aboard the tanker are reported safe, and the fire is contained.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority has achieved a milestone by successfully berthing the MV Graceous, a 292-meter Cape-sized bulk carrier, at its EQ-1 berth. Carrying 100,198 metric tonnes of coal, this marks the first accommodation of such a large vessel, highlighting the port’s enhanced operational capabilities and capacity for bulk cargo handling.
Four Indian sailors, stranded for ten months on the abandoned AZRA C off Turkey, have been rescued, confirmed by the ITF. The crew faced worsening conditions after the ship’s owners were arrested during a drug bust. This incident highlights the alarming rise in global seafarer abandonment, particularly affecting Indian nationals.
Green shipping initiatives are rapidly advancing in India’s maritime sector, with orders for methanol, ammonia, and electric vessels on the rise. Indian ports are enhancing infrastructure to position themselves as green hydrogen hubs. A recent brief highlights both opportunities and challenges, urging stakeholders to strengthen policies and collaborations for sustainable growth.
The Goa government is transitioning the captain of ports department into a state maritime board, as announced by Ports Minister Digambar Kamat. This change aligns with the Indian Ports Act, 2025. Meanwhile, the inauguration of a new terminal has been postponed due to the Chief Minister’s unavailability, raising legal concerns.
Four Indian sailors have been stranded for nearly ten months on the abandoned container ship AZRA C in the Sea of Marmara. Maritime regulations prevent their departure, while the ship’s owners were arrested during a drug trafficking investigation. The crew’s situation is dire, with increasing mental strain and health issues.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has confirmed the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, with no incidents reported in 72 hours. Director Opesh Kumar Sharma reassured the public, stating that the situation remains stable and the Directorate General of Shipping is actively coordinating for seafarers’ welfare.
The Central government confirmed on Thursday that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf and West Asia are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the last 72 hours. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively monitoring the situation to ensure the welfare of seafarers and maritime operations.
