KMRL is conducting a feasibility study for Water Metro services in Kollam and 17 other cities in India. Hybrid electric ferries may be introduced, with a firm conducting traffic and other assessments. Detailed project reports will focus on sustainable urban water transport. Potential locations include Guwahati, Jammu and Kashmir, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Thailand and Sri Lanka reflect India’s evolving maritime strategy, transitioning from the SAGAR initiative to the MAHASAGAR framework. These efforts underscore India’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, bolstering regional partnerships, and addressing pressing security challenges such as piracy and climate change.
The proposed passenger jetty near the Gateway of India in Mumbai, developed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board, is facing opposition from locals who view it as an environmental hazard and a threat to heritage sites. Despite government support, residents fear the impact on Colaba’s cultural and environmental fabric, calling for relocation.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority is building a state-of-the-art Unified Command Control Center with advanced technologies like AI to improve operational efficiency and security. Collaborating with NSIG, the VPA aims to complete the UCCC in six months. Features include multi-spectral cameras, drones, and IoT sensors for predictive maintenance and land management.
Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd has revealed plans to acquire a coal export terminal in Australia for $2.4 billion. The acquisition of Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd will enhance its foothold in the Asia-Pacific region. With a capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum, this move aligns with the company’s global growth strategy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport on May 2, after it has been operational for commercial purposes since December. The delay in inauguration was due to technical issues, now resolved. Agreements have been made for funding and environmental clearance, paving the way for future development.
The Directorate General Shipping has introduced the Standard Operating Process (SOP) for the security of mechanized sailing ships, also known as Dhows, in 2025. This SOP includes new measures such as Isro-NotAlarms transmitters and AIS class transponders to enhance tracking and surveillance. The aim is to uphold maritime traditions while addressing modern security challenges.
DP World has launched the Bharat Africa Setu in partnership with the Government of India to strengthen trade links between India and Africa. The platform will connect the two regions through sea and air connectivity, enabling Indian exporters to reach 53 African countries. The initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency.
Allcargo Group, a global logistics conglomerate based in India, recently completed a rainwater harvesting project in Sawangi Tehsil, Nagpur, to address water scarcity in the region. The initiative, led by their CSR arm Avashya Foundation, aims to boost agricultural activities and the rural economy by increasing water access through the Sawangi Canal Project.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) set a new record with 145.5 million tonnes of cargo movement on National Waterways. This milestone was achieved through proactive policy measures and infrastructure initiatives, including the Jalvahak scheme and the development of inland terminals.
Gateway Terminals India (GTI), also known as APM Terminals Mumbai, has joined hands with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Vadhvan Project Ltd. (VPPL) to create a skills training program for the port sector. This collaboration aims to boost employment opportunities and diversity in the industry, in line with the government’s focus on skill development.
The Gujarat ATS and Coast Guard collaborated to seize 300 kg of drugs worth ₹1,800 crore near the Maritime Boundary Line. Suspected to be methamphetamine, the contraband was dumped into the sea by smugglers who fled upon seeing the Coast Guard ship. The drugs have been handed over to the ATS for further investigation.
India, along with 62 other nations, voted in favor of a global carbon tax for the shipping industry by the International Maritime Organization. This decision, made in London, aims to reduce emissions and promote cleaner technologies. However, criticism has arisen for not addressing climate finance needs of developing countries.
India and UAE have entered a transformative phase in bilateral relations, signing eight strategic agreements to foster a sustainable, innovation-driven future. This milestone, marked by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed’s visit, emphasizes collaboration in green logistics, healthcare, and education, paving the way for a climate-resilient, tech-integrated trade ecosystem.
DP World’s Mundra International Container Terminal (MICT) saw significant growth in the fiscal year 2024-2025, handling 1,497,228 TEUS, a 13% increase from the previous year. Servicing 762 vessels, the terminal plays a crucial role in advancing India’s global trade network. DP World Mundra also reached its highest monthly volume in March 2025.
