Thirteen Indian seafarers are stranded aboard the MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, facing life-threatening conditions due to ongoing drone and missile attacks. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has urgently called for action from shipowners and government officials to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate their evacuation.
On Monday, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the Gujarat Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy 2026, aiming to establish the state as a global maritime hub. The initiative focuses on modern infrastructure, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices, aligning with national goals for shipbuilding and enhancing Gujarat’s extensive maritime capabilities.
A significant advancement for India’s maritime workforce has been announced with the release of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Shore Leave Passes by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of Indian seafarers and improve operational efficiency at the nation’s ports.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched a six-month Structured Onboard Training Programme aboard the MV Swaraj Dweep. Initiated on July 15, 2026, this initiative aims to enhance the employability of Indian seafarers by providing essential onboard training for General Purpose Rating and Maritime Catering trainees.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India summoned Ukraine’s Ambassador after an attack on the merchant vessel MV OMORFI near Odesa, which killed an Indian seafarer. The MEA condemned the assaults on commercial shipping and urged Ukraine to prioritize the safety of civilian seafarers, emphasizing the need for diplomatic action.
A merchant vessel with four Indian nationals was struck at the Port of Odesa, Ukraine, leaving two crew members safe. Ongoing search and rescue operations are underway for the remaining two. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv is closely monitoring the situation amid heightened risks in the region due to ongoing conflict.
Engineers India Ltd (EIL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure. This partnership will leverage EIL’s expertise in engineering and project management to support the DGMA in planning and executing various maritime projects, promoting sustainability and operational efficiency.
On Sunday, the Indian government urged citizens to assess security conditions before accepting jobs in conflict-affected maritime zones, particularly the Black Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted risks from missile and drone strikes, following recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of five Indian nationals aboard commercial vessels.
The Indian government has approved a financial package of Rs 69,725 crore to enhance the domestic shipbuilding sector. This initiative includes the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme with Rs 24,736 crore allocated to reduce cost disadvantages for Indian shipyards, alongside a Maritime Development Fund of Rs 25,000 crore for long-term support.
Gujarat is set to enhance its maritime capabilities with the development of three greenfield shipyards and six new ports along its coast, representing a major expansion of India’s maritime infrastructure. The initiative, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 35,000 crore, aims to position Gujarat as a leading hub for shipbuilding.
The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) has welcomed a second group of 24 trainees for the GP Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering onboard the MV Swaraj Dweep. This initiative, part of the Structured Onboard Training Programme by the Ministry of Ports, aims to enhance maritime training and employability.
During the 21st East Asia Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged for dialogue to resolve the West Asia conflict, emphasizing the need for safety in international waterways. He condemned attacks on seafarers and stressed that international law must govern maritime operations, highlighting the global economy’s vulnerability amid rising tensions.
During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This followed the tragic deaths of four Indian crew members from the MV Golden Leo, highlighting escalating regional tensions.
The Andhra Pradesh government is relocating dust-generating bulk cargo from Visakhapatnam Port to Mulapeta Greenfield Port, aiming to reduce pollution and improve operational viability. This move is part of a strategy to ensure a cleaner urban environment in Visakhapatnam, fostering industrial growth at the new port and enhancing efficiency.
The Indian Government, via the Directorate General of Shipping, has introduced a circular to address environmental risks from maritime transport of plastic pellets. Effective April 15, 2026, vessels must stow these pellets under deck, prohibiting on-deck transport. The initiative aims to safeguard marine ecosystems and comply with international standards.
