A delegation from Hamburg’s Senate, led by Economic Affairs Senator Melanie Leonhard, recently visited India to strengthen maritime trade relations. Key figures, including Jens Meier and Hendrik Meyn, engaged in discussions on sustainable port infrastructure in Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi, emphasizing collaboration amid the evolving EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
The recent inauguration of three new berths at VOC Port, including the North Cargo Berth-III, marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade capacity. With advancements in sustainable operations, such as green hydrogen production and the introduction of a Digital Twin platform, VOC Port is poised to lead India’s maritime future, aligning with net-zero goals.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) received the ‘Outstanding PSU of the Year’ award at the AIMA event in New Delhi, recognized for its exemplary performance in India’s maritime sector. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented the award, accepted by Dr. Harikrishnan S. This accolade follows CSL’s significant MoU with CMA CGM for LNG vessels.
On February 18, 2026, the MS Island Sky docked at New Mangalore Port Authority, marking the season’s second cruise arrival. With 95 passengers and 70 crew, it was greeted with traditional ceremonies. Guests enjoyed guided tours of local attractions, enhancing Mangaluru’s appeal as a key cruise destination on India’s west coast.
India’s maritime sector is transforming, highlighted by a contract between CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited for six LNG-fuelled feeder vessels. This initiative, supported by key government figures, underscores the growing collaboration between global shipping companies and Indian shipyards, aligning with the country’s strategic maritime development policies.
Authorities in Palghar district have approved compensation exceeding ₹2 crore per hectare for agricultural land acquired for the Vadhvan Port Project in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, doubling the fixed market value for landowners, alongside a 100% solatium and applicable interest, significantly boosting local agricultural valuations.
In a significant step for maritime cooperation, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille Fos. This partnership aims to enhance bilateral trade and improve connectivity, promoting sustainable practices and digitalization in port operations to reduce emissions and support energy transition.
Cochin Shipyard Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder for a ₹5,000 crore contract to construct five Next Generation Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy. This status was confirmed in a Ministry of Defence meeting in New Delhi, with contract finalization pending necessary formalities. The shipyard insists there are no related party transactions involved.
During the February 13 meeting in Jakarta, ASEAN and India emphasized maritime cooperation as a priority, focusing on sea safety, environmental protection, and adherence to international law in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines, chairing ASEAN, co-led discussions on the 2026 ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation aimed at enhancing regional collaboration.
The Directorate General of Shipping, led by Additional Director General Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, convened to address the recent detention and abandonment of Indian seafarers. Emphasizing the safety and dignity of mariners, the meeting aimed at improving repatriation processes and ensuring a coordinated response to protect Indian seafarers abroad.
This month, India detained three oil tankers suspected of indirect ties to Iran, prompting increased maritime surveillance. The Iranian National Oil Company denied connections to the vessels. The situation highlights the complexities of enforcing sanctions and the need for stringent monitoring to prevent illicit activities in regional waters.
India’s port sector has the potential to save up to Rs 20,000 crore annually in cargo handling costs by implementing artificial intelligence (AI). Gourav Vallabh from the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council emphasized the necessity for technological upgrades to reduce inefficiencies and enhance operational speeds in major ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Chennai.
The 2026 Union Budget aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, enhancing India’s inland waterways for sustainability and reduced logistics costs. The operationalization of 20 new National Waterways, especially NW-5 in Odisha, aims to connect resource-rich areas to ports, promoting maritime freight from 6% to 12% by 2047.
On February 26, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Bangladeshi fishing boat with 28 crew members in the Bay of Bengal for illegal fishing within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The vessel was found operating without valid permits, leading to its detention and the crew’s escort to Frazerganj for legal proceedings.
India is positioning itself to meet the global demand for large ships, such as VLCCs and container vessels, under a ₹25,000 crore shipbuilding scheme. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted partnerships with South Korean firms and a ₹70,000-crore maritime development package to enhance shipbuilding capabilities and port infrastructure.
