The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), with the Indian Ports Association, launched its inaugural Officers’ Induction Training Program on September 18, 2025. This initiative focuses on enhancing knowledge in port operations and administration, fostering skill development, and promoting inter-port cooperation to strengthen India’s maritime workforce and economic growth.
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has partnered with the FAO to upgrade Blue Port infrastructure in India, focusing on Vanakbara, Karaikal, and Jakhau. This ₹369.8 crore initiative merges technology with sustainability, improving economic growth while incorporating digital systems, energy efficiency, and effective waste management for fisheries modernization.
The Paradip and Visakhapatnam Port Authorities, along with the Odisha government, plan a major ₹21,500 crore port in Bahuda, set to handle 150 million tonnes annually. This initiative aims to solidify Odisha’s maritime status, improve trade logistics, and modernize ports, while offering tailored financing through SFCL to support stakeholders.
India’s maritime sector is poised to attract investments of ₹80 lakh crore, generating 1.5 crore jobs while promoting green shipping practices, announced Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision aims to elevate India to a global maritime superpower, linking prosperity and sustainability with the nation’s heritage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on September 20 to assess the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. He will review completed works and discuss ongoing projects, highlighting the site’s historical significance as a major trading center of the Indus Valley Civilization and its potential to boost local economy and tourism.
Coratia Technologies, an Odisha-based startup, has secured a ₹66 crore contract with the Indian Navy to supply and maintain its indigenously developed Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs). This significant move enhances naval capabilities and emphasizes self-reliance, supporting India’s ‘Make in India’ vision amid increasing geopolitical uncertainties.
India has inaugurated its first domestically developed Drive-Through Cargo Scanner (ICS) at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, marking a significant milestone in trade security. This collaborative project by BARC and JNCH employs advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, aiming for a 50% reduction in operational costs and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Madras High Court has dismissed two writ appeals from the Indian Maritime University challenging the reinstatement of its first vice-chancellor, P. Vijayan. The Division Bench upheld a previous ruling, criticizing IMU for ignoring the inquiry officer’s findings and deeming the basis for disciplinary action fundamentally weak.
Kerala will host its inaugural Kerala-EU Blue Economy Conclave on September 18–19, in collaboration with the European Union and the Government of India. This event aims to strengthen EU-India partnerships in sustainable ocean investments, climate action, and technological innovation, establishing Kerala as a key player in a global sustainable blue economy.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has secured a ₹200 crore contract from Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for the repair and maintenance of a jack-up rig, set for completion within 12 months. This deal emphasizes transparency, as CSL’s promoters hold no stake in ONGC, enhancing trust in the agreement.
Vizhinjam Port authorities are set to implement a dynamic mooring system next month, enhancing operational efficiency. With machinery delivered and staff training planned, this innovative system will secure vessels amidst tidal changes, significantly reducing downtime and vessel turnaround time. This advancement aims to boost container throughput and strengthen India’s shipping competitiveness.
DP World has upgraded the Mundra International Container Terminal with a new advanced quay crane and three electric Rubber-Tyre Gantry Cranes, enhancing Gujarat’s trade significance. The quay crane supports vessels up to 22 rows wide, boosting capacity to 1.56 million TEUs by 2027 while aligning with sustainability goals.
India is poised for a transformative shift in its maritime sector, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announcing an investment of Rs 80 lakh crore and the creation of 1.5 crore jobs. Central to this change is the Sagarmala programme, aimed at modernizing ports and enhancing coastal infrastructure to boost trade.
India is poised to become a major global shipbuilding hub, targeting a 5% market share by 2030. Union Minister Shantanu Thakur outlined a strategy focusing on ten advanced shipyards through public-private partnerships, emphasizing eco-friendly practices, technological innovation, and infrastructure enhancements to support maritime self-reliance and sustainable growth.
Synergy Shipbuilders N Dock Works Ltd., founded in 1988 by Shriram Malik, is transforming India’s shipbuilding industry by embracing aluminium construction. Their strategic pivot in 2013 set them apart, leading to successful projects like high-speed vessels for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The company now aims for global leadership in this innovative sector.
