The Indian Parliament has enacted the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, replacing the outdated 1958 Act. Approved by the Rajya Sabha on August 11, this legislation aligns India’s maritime sector with global standards, enhancing safety, seafarer welfare, and streamlining ship registration processes. It introduces stringent safety protocols and promotes digitalization in maritime operations.
The “Green and Digital Maritime Corridor” event in Mumbai, organized by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Indian Ports Association, showcased maritime leaders from India and abroad. Leaders emphasized enhancing bilateral relations and sustainable pathways in global trade, marking significant steps towards a greener maritime future and regional integration.
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla has launched a tender for India’s first port-based bio-methanol production facility. This project aims to produce 10 tonnes per day using advanced gasification technology. It aligns with global decarbonization efforts and positions Kandla as a leader in green energy for the maritime sector.
Mumbai celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Directorate General Shipping (DGS) with a significant conference on maritime security, themed “Jalasya Rakṣā, Janasya Surakṣā: Ocean Sentinel in the 21st Century.” This event brought together global maritime leaders and formalized important international cooperation through two key memorandums of understanding to enhance safety and seafarer well-being.
The Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) is enhancing the State’s Blue Economy and maritime development. Principal Secretary Usha Padhee emphasized integrated port-led growth, sustainable shipping, and skills training. The OMB aims to modernize infrastructure, promote marine tourism, and attract investments, positioning Odisha as a key maritime hub in Eastern India.
Adani Gangavaram Port Limited (AGPL) has achieved a landmark by berthing its deepest-drafted vessel, carrying 177,121 metric tonnes of bauxite with an 18.2-metre draft. This milestone reflects AGPL’s robust infrastructure and commitment to efficient cargo handling, enhancing industrial supply chains while reducing environmental impact across India’s mineral-rich regions.
The Kerala Maritime Board is set to introduce approved maritime training courses in Kodungallur and Neendakara, following a directive from the Director General of Shipping. This move comes after a ban on unapproved private training centers, emphasizing compliance with national and international standards for maritime education to ensure seafarers’ qualifications.
The construction of a new fishing port in Vizhinjam will commence in October 2025, featuring a 250-meter lakeside area as part of a £45 crore project. The initiative, approved by the Kerala State Cabinet, aims to modernize fishing infrastructure while engaging local communities for input on the design and layout.
The AMTOI Day 2025, held at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai, honored the theme “Indian Navy – Defending Our Waters, Protecting Our Future.” Rear Admiral Vidhyadhar Harke highlighted the Navy’s vital role in national security. The event celebrated maritime excellence and acknowledged the dedication of Navy personnel and supporters.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has proposed a framework to enhance disaster response for ships in Indian waters. This will require vessels to secure contracts with approved salvage companies before entering ports, allowing for quicker mobilization within 12 hours, aiming to improve maritime safety and readiness for emergencies.
The State-owned Shipping Corporation of India plans to acquire 26 domestically built ships worth ₹198.2 billion as part of a government initiative to bolster local shipbuilding. This move aims to enhance India’s shipping capacity, with a broader ambition to increase the share of locally built tankers significantly by 2047.
Vedanta Aluminium operates a sophisticated logistics network, transporting over 55 million tonnes of cargo in FY2025, nearly 4% of Indian Railways’ total freight. Covering Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, the company emphasizes sustainability by prioritizing rail transport and employing India’s largest fleet of lithium-ion electric forklifts, enhancing workplace efficiency and safety.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) has launched a modernization program to cut vessel turnaround times and achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Key initiatives include eight new mobile harbor cranes, night navigation to reduce turnaround from five to four days, and increased handling capacity, all while enhancing environmental conditions and economic inclusivity.
In a major milestone for Northeast India’s logistics, Guwahati’s Pandu Terminal has successfully handled its first Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC) shipment, transporting 537 metric tonnes of Jack-up Barges from L&T to Kolkata. This achievement enhances multimodal transport, reduces reliance on congested routes, and boosts regional connectivity through the Brahmaputra River.
The Indian Register of Shipping commended the Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard Limited for launching the Pollution Control Vessel ICGS Samudra Prachet and the Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Atal. These vessels enhance India’s maritime security and showcase the nation’s commitment to environmental protection and self-reliance in shipbuilding.
