On May 14, the cargo ship MSV Salaamath sank in the Arabian Sea, about 60 to 70 nautical miles from Mangaluru, Karnataka. The vessel, carrying cement and supplies to Kadmat Island, began taking on water around 5:30 AM IST. All six crew members were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard.
Shiprocket has launched India’s first Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server for eCommerce shipping, revolutionizing logistics. This tool allows AI agents to perform tasks like checking shipping rates and tracking orders through simple instructions. With benefits like faster execution and seamless integration with platforms, it empowers businesses to automate and scale operations efficiently.
The Directorate General for Shipping (DG Shipping) has responded to breaches in maritime regulations by taking action against 97 hiring agencies. With 74 blocked and five facing license suspension, the DG Shipping seeks to protect Indian seafarers from exploitation, emphasizing the need for regulation and quality assurance in placement services.
VOC Port is leading the way in sustainability through green initiatives, operating a 5 MW orpotry drive, a 2 MW wind power plant, and a 1.04 MW rooftop solar system. Forecasts show these efforts will generate 12.65 million units of Green Power, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and supporting India’s green transition.
Transport Corporation of India Ltd. (TCI) reported strong financial results for Q4 and FY2025, with consolidated revenue of ₹11,972 million, reflecting a 9.3% increase. EBITDA rose 11.3% to ₹1,401 million, and Profit After Tax grew by 11.4% to ₹1,151 million. The company’s focus on multimodal logistics drives its growth.
The Kolkata port authorities are repurposing three historic river ships into floating venues for tourism and culture, inspired by the successful transformation of the vintage paddle steamer PS Bopal. This initiative aims to revitalize the Hooghly River’s banks, merging heritage with modern attractions like cafes and event spaces.
Cordelia Cruises is set to launch thrilling domestic and international itineraries from Chennai this summer, featuring inaugural 10-night Southeast Asia cruises. Travelers can explore Singapore, Phuket, and more. Also on offer are 5-night cruises to Sri Lanka, along with captivating domestic routes, ensuring a memorable experience for families and first-time cruisers.
In an effort to strengthen its shipbuilding industry, the Indian government is allocating over Rs 20,000 crore for the second phase of the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy. This includes establishing four new shipbuilding hubs in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, crucial for meeting domestic vessel demands.
Heightened security measures have been enacted at Paradip Port following the arrival of the Hong Kong-flagged ‘MT Siren II,’ which carries 21 Pakistani crew members. Authorities are closely monitoring the vessel and its crew to prevent security breaches, amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after recent espionage incidents.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has opened a new office in Srinagar’s Transport Bhawan, enhancing the Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative, supported by the J&K government, aims to improve river navigation infrastructure, boost eco-tourism, and invigorate the local economy through various projects.
The Indian government is developing shipbuilding facilities in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step in maritime industry growth. A partnership with South Korea’s HD Hyundai aims to enhance local production of large ships for intercontinental trade, particularly at Thoothukudi, projected to be worth £10,000 billion.
Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat, achieved a significant milestone by processing 51,450 tonnes of gypsum in one day, facilitated by the MV Valiant. This record underscores the collaborative efforts of key service providers, including Shree Ashapura Stevedores and others, showcasing Kandla Port’s crucial role in regional trade and economic growth.
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, received a single bid from PVT LTD, backed by Korea Maritime Consultants. The project aims to create a private shipbuilding cluster capable of constructing 2,000 vessels, including VLCCs. However, due to unmet qualifications, the DPA plans to reissue the tender.
India’s major ports recorded a 4.3% increase in cargo handling, reaching 855 million tonnes in 2024-25. Key contributors included a 10% rise in container throughput and a notable 31% surge in miscellaneous commodities. Noteworthy milestones were achieved by Paradip and Deendayal ports, each surpassing 150 million tonnes for the first time.
Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised for significant expansion, aiming to double its workforce within three years. With plans for two additional berths and a larger wave breaker, it seeks to process nearly five million containers annually by 2028, highlighting a pressing need for skilled employees in various sectors.
