The Odisha government is set to launch the inaugural ‘Mahanadi Boita Pratiyogita 2025,’ a boat racing event celebrating the state’s maritime heritage. Scheduled for November 11 near Gadagadia Ghata in Cuttack, it coincides with the Baliyatra festival, featuring teams from ten states and showcasing traditional and contemporary racing formats.
In a policy shift, the Indian government has established new deep-sea fishing regulations within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Prioritizing local fishermen and banning foreign vessels, the guidelines aim to enhance opportunities in tuna fishing while emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements in the marine fisheries sector. Effective November 4.
The arrival of the MV Capetan Vassilis II at Deendayal Port marks a transformative moment for India’s maritime logistics. As the first Premium Products Vessel, it shifts agri-input transport from traditional containers to bulk cargo, enhancing supply chain efficiency, reducing turnaround times, and ultimately improving product availability for farmers nationwide.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced a proposed bilateral free trade agreement between India and New Zealand, aimed at enhancing trade and investment. Speaking alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, he highlighted mutual benefits, emphasizing collaboration in sectors like maritime, aerospace, and defense, as well as education and tourism.
On Kartik Purnima, Odisha comes alive with vibrant festivities as devotees partake in the Boita Bandana ritual. Early morning sees crowds at rivers and ponds, launching banana bark boats adorned with lamps and incense. This celebration honors ancient maritime traditions, symbolizing community unity and the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) has signed 22 MoUs worth Rs 176.45 billion during the India Maritime Week 2025. Collaborating with major ports and organizations, these agreements focus on dredging operations over the next five years, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and aligning with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030.
The VOC Port in Tuticorin was honored as the ‘Green Visionary’ at the India Maritime Week 2025 for securing ₹90,936 crore in investments. The port signed 29 MoUs, emphasizing green energy initiatives, including a ₹25,400 crore agreement for a storage facility for green ammonia, positioning it as a leading Green Hydrogen Hub.
Mumbai is gearing up to be a major shipbuilding hub, with plans for “Made-in-Mumbai” passenger vessels and cruise ships. The state secured investments worth ₹55,719 crore to enhance shipbuilding and port infrastructure during the India Global Maritime Summit 2025. Initiatives aim to boost India’s maritime leadership and sustainability.
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company plans to register a fleet of vessels under the Indian flag, joining CMA CGM and Maersk in supporting India’s maritime growth. CEO Soren Toft announced the deployment of 12 vessels, emphasizing India’s potential in shipping, ports, and logistics. The initiative reflects MSC’s commitment to India’s maritime development.
Sweden is committed to helping India develop a sustainable industrial framework in line with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). State Secretary Sara Modig emphasized Sweden’s readiness to assist India’s transition to low-carbon manufacturing, highlighting its expertise in technology transfer, particularly for the rapidly growing steel industry.
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla recently won the prestigious ‘Maritime Excellence Achievers Awards’ for “Driving Maritime Innovation” and “Port Sustainability Pioneer” at the India Maritime Week 2025. Presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, these awards highlight DPA’s commitment to modernizing ports and promoting sustainability through innovative initiatives.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) have signed a memorandum to collaborate in the tugboat sector, enhancing India’s port operations and promoting eco-friendly maritime services. This partnership will leverage MOL’s expertise in safety and alternative fuel technologies to support India’s Green Tug Transition Program.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, the oldest operational Major Port in India, received the Maritime Excellence Award in the Heritage Category during India Maritime Week 2025. This honor acknowledges SMPK’s vital contributions to maritime development and its rich cultural history, despite challenges like a shallow navigation channel along the River Hooghly.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Ports, Anura Karunathilaka, visited Mumbai for the India Maritime Week 2025, focusing on maritime technology and regional collaboration. Engaging with India’s Minister of Ports, Sarbananda Sonowal, and other international leaders, he aimed to enhance port modernization and sustainable development, reinforcing the partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority received the ‘Green Visionary Award’ at India Maritime Week 2025, acknowledging its commitment to environmental sustainability and port decarbonization. Chairman Susanta Kumar Purohit and Deputy Chairman Rajesh Soundrarajan accepted the award, highlighting innovative initiatives that set new standards for green transformation among Indian ports.
