Cochin Port, Kerala’s second-largest port, is poised for a ₹10,000 crore upgrade, enhancing both the port and Cochin Shipyard. Key investments include ₹1,500 crore for the Vallarpadam Transhipment Terminal and ₹500 crore for an LNG bunkering facility, aiming to boost container handling and overall maritime capabilities in Kochi.
During the IMO Assembly, Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the MoPSW, highlighted India’s growing maritime leadership. He outlined key strategies, emphasizing seafarer welfare, green initiatives, and security. Kumar’s commitment to decarbonization and collaboration reflects India’s dedication to sustainable shipping and its influential role in global maritime policy.
In a landmark achievement, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla has become the first major port in India to handle over 100 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025-26. This milestone reflects not only operational efficiency but also showcases the port’s pivotal role in enhancing national trade and maritime innovation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a major initiative to enhance India’s shipping sector by developing local Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) capabilities. The move aims to modernize port infrastructure, reduce costs, generate jobs, and increase self-reliance, positioning India as a competitive force in the global maritime industry.
A 1.3-kilometre mural depicting India’s maritime history, from the Indus Valley era to today, is being unveiled at Kochi Naval Base. Led by the Better Kochi Response Group, the project aims for a Guinness World Record and seeks to educate youth about India’s rich, globally recognized maritime legacy.
A sanctioned vessel carrying Russian oil for Indian Oil Corp has encountered delays at an eastern Indian port due to the online verification of insurance from a Russian insurer. The Aframax vessel Tiger 6 was set to unload its cargo but remains unberthed, reflecting increased security measures following India’s tightened regulations.
Ahead of President Putin’s December visit to India, Russian and Indian officials are discussing enhanced cooperation in shipbuilding. Russia aims to support India’s shipbuilding industry development, focusing on establishing bases in Mumbai and Chennai and promoting “green shipbuilding.” This partnership seeks to bolster India’s maritime capabilities and reduce foreign dependency.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s dedication to shaping the maritime future, emphasizing shipbuilding and international partnerships. At the Samudra Utkarsh Seminar 2025, he praised India’s capabilities, asserting that all naval ships are built locally. He urged collaboration to enhance maritime industry and voiced commitment to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of self-reliance.
The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has received approval for six new policies aimed at enhancing the maritime ecosystem in Gujarat. These regulations will focus on shipbuilding, land management, reclamation, and a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) for the Gulf of Khambhat, addressing critical maritime challenges in the region.
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Surface Wave Over-The-Horizon Radar (SWOTH-Radar), capable of detecting maritime and low-flying aerial targets up to 500 kilometers away. This advanced system enhances India’s maritime awareness and strategic capabilities, essential for safeguarding vital sea lanes and countering stealth threats.
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) plans to raise ₹8,000 crore this financial year, approved in its recent annual general meeting. The funds will support India’s maritime sector through banks, financial institutions, and bonds. With a borrowing limit of ₹25,000 crore, SMFCL aims to enhance investments and modernize port infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged global firms to invest in India’s maritime sector, highlighting substantial infrastructure improvements and regulatory reforms. He pointed to key legislative changes aimed at modernizing governance and enhancing global competitiveness, projecting investment potential exceeding ₹4.5 lakh crore, alongside a growing workforce of over 300,000 seafarers.
The New Mangaluru Port Authority (NMPA) successfully executed a mid-sea emergency medical evacuation after a crew member on the merchant vessel M.V. AMNS STALLION suffered a stroke. Responding swiftly, NMPA deployed tugboat Ocean Harmony, ensuring the crew member received immediate medical attention upon arrival at the port, saving his life.
India’s Knowledge Marine and Engineering Works (KMEW) has secured a 15-year contract valued at INR 3.84 billion with the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. This deal involves the operation of a battery-powered tugboat, emphasizing zero-emission standards. KMEW will manage all aspects of the tugboat’s functionality, enhancing sustainable maritime practices in India.
High-level interagency consultations took place in New Delhi, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian President. The talks emphasized the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, covering shipbuilding, port development, and Arctic operations, aiming for enhanced cooperation and long-term prosperity.
