Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a significant push for maritime commerce in Odisha, signing two Concession Agreements for Gopalpur Port expansion and a new jetty at Jatadhari river mouth. These projects, involving investments of ₹2,100 crore and ₹16,554 crore, aim to create approximately 8,450 jobs and enhance cargo capacity.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has ceased oil recovery efforts from the sunken cargo ship MSC Elsa 3 near Kerala, terminating its contract with T&T Salvage over concerns about their inexperience at depth. Meanwhile, Brand Marine Consultants is negotiating with SMIT Salvage for fuel removal, as onshore cleanup progresses.
A coalition of shipowners and maritime stakeholders is considering legal action against a 2023 directive mandating the scrapping of vessels over 20 years old. They argue this could jeopardize over 25,000 seafarer jobs. Critics, including Aishwarya Gupta Pilankar, call the penalties for Recruitment and Placement Services “arbitrary” and harmful.
During the Seafarers’ Day event, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the pension scheme for Goan seafarers will become permanent. He highlighted their vital role in preserving Goa’s maritime tradition and promised a ₹1,000 increase in pension if the BJP is re-elected in 2027. Skill training courses for local youth were also unveiled.
JSW Infrastructure, part of the $24 billion JSW Group, has secured a 30-year concession to renovate two berths at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Dock. They will pay ₹4,678 per container in royalties, surpassing Adani Group in bidding. This project marks JSW’s initial venture into Bengal’s port and logistics sector.
Officials from the International Maritime Federation (IMF) warn that over 700 Indian-flagged vessels may face premature retirement due to new age-based restrictions from the Directorate General of Shipping. This could cost 20,000 seafarers their jobs and impact over 100,000 livelihoods. The IMF urges reforms to prioritize safety over age.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has become a critical player in India’s trade infrastructure, handling 450 million metric tonnes of cargo this year. Chairman Gautam Adani emphasized a vision extending beyond traditional port operations, aiming to streamline logistics and support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) announced a significant contract with Heritage River Journeys, operating as Antara River Cruises, to build two luxury river cruise vessels for the Brahmaputra River. Valued between ₹100 crore and ₹250 crore, this initiative aims to boost premium inland waterway tourism in India.
The Gateway freight operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport are anticipated to start between December 2025 and January 2026, contingent on completing a vital 1.7 km temporary road to NH-66. Initially, freight movement will increase gradually, with current operations focusing on transshipment and ongoing infrastructure enhancements.
Exporters are exploring the shift of freight operations from Bandar Abbas to Chabahar due to the rising Iranian-Israeli conflict threatening vital trade routes. With air freight costs already up 15%, further increases loom. Discussions to enhance connectivity to Uzbekistan aim to mitigate disruptions while ensuring robust trade across affected regions.
Recent maritime incidents off Kerala’s coast, including a shipwreck and vessel fire, have heightened concerns over environmental impacts and maritime security. Experts urge enhanced monitoring of vessel traffic due to the new Vizhinjam port, advocating for a long-term system to assess the effects of chemical pollution on marine ecosystems.
India aims to become one of the top ten shipbuilding nations by 2030, targeting a compounded annual growth rate of 17-18%. To reduce dependency on foreign vessels, the government is introducing financial and legislative support for local shipyards, buoyed by a ₹25,000 crore allocation for maritime development in the January 2025 budget.
The CBI has charged Tata Consulting Engineers and the multinational firm Boskalis Smit with corruption linked to Rs 800 crore irregularities at Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port. Allegations include collusion with port officials to favor firms in dredging contracts, raising significant concerns about corporate governance in India’s infrastructure sector.
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, India’s government has advised maritime companies to explore alternative shipping routes to safeguard trade through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Concerns over potential military actions disrupting crucial lanes were raised during a meeting led by Commerce Minister Sunil Barthwal, prompting urgent strategic planning.
The Vadhvan Port Project Ltd, poised to become India’s largest port, plans to raise up to ₹300 billion in debt, offering a substantial investment opportunity. Managed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, it aims for operational status by the decade’s end, significantly enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure and global trade capabilities.
