The Orissa High Court has ordered the arrest of the Jordanian vessel MV The Patron near Paradip Port due to an admiralty suit by Singapore’s JALDHI Overseas Pte Ltd. The company seeks $202,000 for alleged breaches in a charter agreement, following significant delays caused by the vessel’s engine failure.
Goa, known for its stunning beaches, is revitalizing its industrial and commercial landscape. With the resumption of mining and enhanced maritime trade, the state anticipates a 13.87% economic growth. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s budget promotes various industries, aiming to balance economic expansion with environmental sustainability as Goa approaches 2026.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata has officially ended its joint venture with Cochin Shipyard Ltd. Despite this separation, both organizations remain dedicated to advancing India’s ship repair industry. SMPK plans to enhance its independent capabilities while expressing openness to future collaborations, reflecting a significant change in the sector’s dynamics.
The Indian government has unveiled new operational guidelines for two major shipbuilding initiatives, totaling Rs 44,700 crore (around $5.4 billion). Aimed at enhancing domestic shipbuilding capabilities, these programs include the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), designed to attract investments and boost the maritime sector.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted RPREX-2025 off Mumbai’s coast to bolster maritime environmental safeguards amid increasing trade risks. This multi-agency exercise involved a simulated oil spill from a tanker collision, showcasing coordinated responses with commercial partners and local authorities, validating the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan.
India’s maritime infrastructure has transformed significantly over the years, evolving from limited capacity to a national priority. With 12 major and over 200 non-major ports, the focus has shifted to enhancing trade and logistics. Additionally, ports now play a crucial role in national security, supporting both civilian and defense operations.
The Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) has joined forces with the Global Ethanol Association (GEA) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to promote ethanol as a sustainable green fuel across the marine sector. The collaboration seeks to enhance global decarbonization efforts and foster innovation in transportation.
C3iHub at IIT Kanpur recently conducted a two-day training program on ‘Maritime Cybersecurity’ for officials from the Indian Ports Association. Held at the IIT-K Noida Extension Centre, the program aimed to enhance cybersecurity skills, covering topics like compliance, threat profiling, and digital forensics, addressing evolving digital threats in the maritime sector.
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard inaugurated ‘Samudra Pratap’, its first domestically developed pollution control vessel. This achievement enhances India’s ability to tackle maritime pollution and reflects a commitment to self-reliance in defense. Equipped with advanced technology, the vessel will play a vital role in environmental protection and maritime security.
The Vizhinjam International Port is set to boost local tourism by allowing ship crew members to go ashore and explore nearby attractions. This new ‘shore leave’ policy enables crew from visiting vessels to enjoy sights like Kovalam Beach while their ships handle cargo, fostering increased visitor engagement and tourism opportunities.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has marked significant progress in its 60-ton Bollard Pull Tug program for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. Key milestones include the keel laying of the first tug and a contract for a second vessel, underscoring the collaboration aimed at modernizing VPA’s fleet in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030.
In response to rising exploitation of seafarers by unauthorized recruitment agents, India has issued a 10-point advisory. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) urges seafarers to engage only with registered Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies, emphasizing the need to verify their authenticity to avoid financial and personal risks.
India and the Netherlands have formalized a collaboration on maritime heritage through a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. This partnership, established during a meeting between S. Jaishankar and David van Wiel, aims to enhance cultural ties and promote India’s maritime history globally.
On December 19, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Amulya, the third vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol series, in Goa. Designed by Goa Shipyard Limited, this 51-meter patrol boat features over 60% indigenous components, symbolizing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and enhancing maritime security capabilities.
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 17, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost investment. This collaboration focuses on job creation and supply-chain resilience while enhancing maritime cooperation, energy initiatives like green hydrogen, and defense measures. Seven agreements were signed, highlighting diverse cooperative areas.
