In a festive announcement, Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries, revealed that employees of the Maharashtra Maritime Board will receive a special Diwali grant. For the first time, contractual employees will also benefit, receiving Rs 20,000, while regular staff will get Rs 50,000, fostering inclusivity and appreciation within the workforce.
On October 9, 2025, the Indian Maritime University, in collaboration with DMET-MERI Alumni and the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), hosted I-ESKIMO 2025 at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai. The event, attended by notable figures including Shri Shantanu Thakur, aimed to bridge academia and industry, enhancing maritime education and professional engagement.
India’s maritime sector stands at a crucial juncture, with over 11,000 kilometers of coastline and vital port infrastructure. Despite handling 95% of trade by volume through maritime channels, its global shipping tonnage share remains under 2%. To modernize and expand, an investment of USD 885-940 billion is essential by 2047.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has designated Deendayal, VO Chidambaranar, and Paradip Ports as Green Hydrogen Hubs under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. This milestone aims to position India as a leader in green hydrogen production, driving investments and fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem while targeting net-zero emissions by 2070.
Bhubaneswar’s Balijatra, Odisha’s historic maritime festival, will debut at the British Parliament on November 14, organized by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom. The event features a two-day program themed “Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures,” celebrating Odia culture, music, and traditions while fostering international dialogue on heritage.
Odisha is poised to be the first among India’s nine coastal states to implement a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework, bolstering its blue economy. Following successful launches in Puducherry and Lakshadweep, this initiative aims to optimize Odisha’s 575-km coastline for sustainable trade, tourism, and fisheries while promoting long-term economic growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the natural partnership between India and the UK, emphasizing shared values of democracy and freedom. In discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, they announced military training cooperation and committed to enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to strengthen ties in trade and defense.
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional Search and Rescue Exercise (ReSAREX–25) off Mangaluru’s Panambur coast to enhance maritime coordination for mass rescue operations. Involving ICG ships, aircraft, and local agencies, the exercise simulated a distress scenario with a dhow fire, showcasing effective inter-agency collaboration and operational readiness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), a key project enhancing air connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Operated by a Public-Private Partnership, NMIA seeks to alleviate congestion at the existing airport, positioning Navi Mumbai as a global aviation hub with eco-friendly initiatives.
India’s Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, marks a pivotal modernization of its maritime sector, replacing the outdated 1958 Act. Passed during the Monsoon Session and receiving presidential assent, it aims to streamline operations, enhance ship registration, and prioritize seafarer welfare, positioning India as a leader in global maritime safety and sustainability.
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (UCSL) has launched its first high-performance tug with a 70-tonne bollard pull for Ocean Sparkle Ltd., part of the Adani Ports group. This vessel, designed by Robert Allan Ltd., showcases advanced engineering and aligns with India’s self-reliance goals in shipbuilding. UCSL is also developing additional tugs and cargo vessels.
The Indian government is focusing on a world-class shipping cluster in Dugarajapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of ₹26,000 crore. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the project will support around 5,000 direct jobs, enhancing the state’s maritime initiatives and fostering economic growth through improved logistics and infrastructure.
At the Sagarmala Convention in Visakhapatnam, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the maritime sector’s readiness to face challenges, emphasizing Andhra Pradesh’s pivotal role in India’s shipbuilding ambitions. He announced key initiatives, including two Harbour Mobile Cranes and a Smart Video Surveillance Project, aimed at enhancing regional maritime infrastructure and achieving self-reliance.
Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) plans to invite tenders for medium-range crude oil vessels soon, as announced by Chairman Capt. Binesh Kumar Tyagi. The initiative aims to reduce India’s dependency on foreign ships for crude imports, with a goal of acquiring 112 domestically owned crude oil carriers.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence is set to open a Centre of Excellence in Chennai, India, in November, creating over 200 jobs. This expansion addresses the rising demand for maritime data, strengthening operations in a key global trade region. The facility will manage over one billion maritime data points daily, enhancing risk management capabilities.
