The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported the safe repatriation of over 3,217 Indian seafarers from the Gulf, with 61 returning in the last 96 hours. Operations at Indian ports remain normal, and no incidents involving Indian vessels or crews have been reported, ensuring maritime safety and efficiency.
Recently, Mumbai hosted a key session by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), focusing on the Gulf Crisis and its impact on global maritime trade. Senior officials and industry stakeholders, including Shri Vijay Kumar of MoPSW, discussed operational strategies, safety for Indian seafarers, and strengthening domestic maritime capabilities in response to geopolitical challenges.
The Directorate General of Shipping has launched a 24×7 Grievance Redressal Mechanism to support India’s maritime community. This initiative offers seafarers and their families access to assistance via toll-free helplines, WhatsApp, and email, ensuring swift responses to operational and emergency concerns, reinforcing the commitment to their welfare.
On the International Day for Women in Maritime, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal praised the resilience and contributions of women seafarers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. He noted a significant increase in women entering the profession, driven by policy reforms aimed at empowering them and fostering inclusivity in India’s maritime sector.
The Indian government has appointed SBI Ventures as the fund manager for the ₹20,000-crore Maritime Investment Fund (MIF). This initiative aims to attract capital for the maritime sector. SBI Ventures, managing around ₹30,000 crores in assets, will oversee investments, enhancing funding opportunities within the industry significantly.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Gateway Terminals India have settled a 14-year tariff dispute, creating a ₹286.55 crore infrastructure fund and refunding ₹18.1 crore to port users. This resolution, facilitated by a Conciliation Committee, aims to enhance commercial relations and infrastructure development at JNPA, targeting increased container throughput.
India’s oil refiners are reassessing their sourcing strategies for Russian crude as the U.S. waiver expires. Analysts predict state-run companies will diversify their suppliers, eyeing Middle Eastern, West African, and U.S. crude. This shift not only addresses regulatory risks but also aims to ensure a compliant tanker fleet for safe transport.
The Committee on Official Language conducted a crucial inspection at the Indian Maritime University, Mumbai Port Campus. Chaired by MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, the review aimed to strengthen Hindi’s role in administration and academia. IMU’s leadership committed to enhancing Hindi use in maritime training while adhering to the Official Language Policy.
Afcons Infrastructure has secured the lowest bid for the Vadhvan Port breakwater construction contract, proposing ₹5,301 crore. This contract, the largest in India’s port sector, marks a pivotal moment after years of planning. The sturdy breakwater is essential for safe harbor operations, addressing significant technical challenges amidst harsh coastal conditions.
India has condemned the recent attack on an Indian-flagged cargo vessel off Oman, calling it “unacceptable.” The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the crew’s safety amid concerns over maritime security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. India demands accountability and emphasizes its commitment to protecting maritime interests.
India has raised alarms about the West Asia crisis, warning of its impact on global energy and maritime security. At a BRICS meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for practical solutions to geopolitical instability and emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for sovereignty in international relations.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) in India has prohibited 366 foreign-flagged vessels from hiring Indian seafarers due to serious allegations of abandoning sailors, failing to pay wages, and neglecting crew welfare. This decision reinforces the commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of Indian seafarers against exploitation.
On Thursday, India reported the sinking of the Indian-flagged cargo vessel Haji Ali in Omani waters, following a suspected drone or missile strike. All 14 crew members were rescued. This incident highlights the escalating risks for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions since February.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) is fast-tracking the Phase II expansion of Vizhinjam International Seaport due to increased transshipment volumes amid the West Asia crisis. Operating at full capacity, the port’s strategic location makes it an attractive hub for carriers. The expansion aims to boost capacity from 1.6 million to 5.7 million TEUs.
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP), managed by the General Insurance Corporation of India, aims to bolster India’s maritime trade resilience and reduce reliance on foreign insurers. With a coverage capacity of $1.5 billion per loss, the initiative addresses rising global war-risk insurance costs amid increasing geopolitical tensions, ensuring uninterrupted trade.
