The recently launched “Group of Friends on Safety & Security of Shipping & Seafarers,” co-chaired by India and Liberia, aims to enhance maritime safety. With representatives from 25 countries, the coalition seeks to combat piracy, protect commercial routes, and prioritize seafarers’ welfare in response to rising threats against global shipping.
The establishment of a Seafarers’ Welfare Centre at Mormugao Port has received official approval, backed by Rs 13 crore from the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society. This initiative aims to enhance support for maritime professionals and includes proposals for a Seamen’s Club, improving facilities and education in the maritime sector.
India and Liberia have established a “Group of Friends” to enhance shipping safety and protect seafarers amid rising threats, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb. This initiative, announced during the 81st UN General Assembly, aims for international cooperation to address increasing attacks on maritime commerce.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has reached a milestone by delivering India’s first passenger vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the catamaran ferry FCV Pilot-01. Currently operational on the Ganges River, it features innovative technology, with a length of 24.8 meters, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly transportation on India’s waterways.
The World Maritime Day 2026 celebrations underscored the critical need to enhance Kerala’s maritime sector for youth opportunities. Vice Chancellor A Bijukumar emphasized rethinking the blue economy through community-centered development, advocating for Kochi as a maritime knowledge hub, and promoting collaboration among local institutions to harness the region’s maritime potential.
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), highlighting its significance amid rising US-Iran tensions. During a meeting with Gulf leaders at the UN General Assembly, he stressed the need for alternative energy solutions and improved transport infrastructure to facilitate trade.
The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement will commence on October 20, aligning with Dussehra. This agreement ensures duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports to New Zealand across multiple sectors, enhancing bilateral economic ties. New Zealand commits to $20 billion in investments in India over 15 years, signaling mutual trust.
On September 22, 2026, Synergy Marine Group and Cochin Shipyard Limited formalized their collaboration with a memorandum of understanding in Kochi. The agreement, signed by key executives, aims to combine CSL’s industrial capacity with Synergy’s shipbuilding expertise, enhancing project delivery and focusing on converting LNG carriers into floating storage units.
The Delhi High Court dismissed Steel Authority of India Limited’s claims of arbitrator bias, stating that prior interpretations of similar contractual clauses do not inherently indicate partiality. The court emphasized the need for experienced arbitrators in specialized fields and upheld the arbitral award favoring British Marine PLC, citing SAIL’s delayed objections.
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) is enhancing Indian seafarers’ safety through the Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network. This initiative, guided by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, builds on the eNavik tracking system to ensure swift assistance during emergencies, reflecting the government’s commitment to maritime workforce security.
During a recent UN Security Council meeting, India underscored that navigational rights must remain free from coercion and unlawful restrictions. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni emphasized the importance of secure maritime routes for global peace and economic stability, highlighting the risks posed by attacks on seafarers and advocating for international cooperation in ensuring their safety.
The Indian government is considering extending concession periods for privately operated port terminals beyond 30 years to attract long-term investments. The Ministry of Ports emphasizes this for common-user terminals, enabling operators to recover infrastructure costs more effectively. Extended concessions could encourage significant capital expenditures and enhance profitability for terminal operators.
Chennai Port, a crucial maritime gateway on India’s east coast, has evolved dramatically over 147 years from a simple coastline to a sophisticated hub for trade. A recent visit by journalists highlighted its strategic role in enhancing India’s economic growth and adapting to global shipping trends, showcasing its significant historical and contemporary importance.
The partners have announced plans to expand the ISRF by adding 10 workstations, increasing the total to 16. This expansion will enhance dry-docking and repair services for vessels under 130 meters and 6,000 tonnes. The facility, inaugurated in January 2024, aims to improve operational efficiencies and support complex projects.
India has condemned the attack on the Panama-flagged vessel MT El Gaia off Oman, which left one Indian seafarer missing. The MEA decried threats to civilians and called for urgent restoration of maritime safety. Thirteen crew were rescued, while search continues amid rising regional attacks on Indian seafarers.
