On March 28, 2025, New Delhi hosted the 62nd National Maritime Day celebrations, marking a significant occasion. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received the Merchant Navy flag, an event steered by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. Key maritime figures gathered to discuss the industry’s future and its economic importance.
A tender issued by the Deendayal Port Authority in Mumbai has attracted offers from six groups, including Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, Polestar Maritime Ltd, and Netincon Marketing Pvt Ltd. The tender is for the hire of an electric tug, marking the first such initiative in India in 15 years.
DP World is set to launch ship-leasing operations in India with the establishment of a subsidiary in GIFT City. The company plans to start with four ships, with options for Indian-flagged and international vessels. With tax incentives and increasing activity in the sector, DP World joins other major players in vessel ownership, operation, and chartering in India.
The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha aims to resolve port-related disputes, manage pollution, disasters, and emergencies. It consolidates laws, promotes integrated development, and optimizes coastline usage. State Maritime Boards will manage non-major ports, while a Maritime State Development Council will drive sectoral growth. Despite concerns, the bill enhances efficiency and port management.
The Lok Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 on March 28, 2025, to modernize provisions governing the carriage of goods by sea and simplify maritime regulations. The bill replaces the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, aligning with international conventions for bills of lading.
Dutch shipbuilder Damen has teamed up with Yeoman Marine Services Pvt Ltd to build tugboats in India, challenging Vancouver’s Robert Allan Ltd. Concerns arise over the government’s favoritism towards Robert Allan. Damen will offer design expertise while Yeoman Marine will utilize modern techniques for construction.
Freight rates for Russian oil shipments from Baltic ports to India are declining after hitting record highs, driven by increased offers from Western shipowners. With Urals crude prices dropping below the $60 price cap, shipping costs have fallen to an average of $7 million per shipment, fostering trade opportunities between Russia and India.
Adani Gangavaram Port, known for being one of India’s deepest and most modern ports, was recently honored with the CII Southern Industrial Safety Leadership Award for its commitment to ensuring a secure work environment. Recognized for its security practices and robust infrastructure, the port stands out for prioritizing the safety and well-being of its workforce.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently participated in the Singapore Maritime Week to discuss strategies for a secure and sustainable maritime future. Emphasizing India’s vision for growth in the sector, he highlighted the importance of digitalization, future-ready shipping, and collaborations with global partners like Singapore and the UAE to drive innovation and efficiency.
India is set to significantly boost global trade over the next five years, contributing 6% to trade growth, as per a joint report by DHL and NYU Stern. With a projected rise in trade volume and foreign investment in manufacturing, India aims to solidify its position as a key economic player.
The Panchnad region, where the Yamuna River meets four other rivers, is an ideal location for water transport due to its strong flow. The Uttar Pradesh government plans to launch a 248 km waterway project connecting Kanpur and Prayagraj, aiming to enhance connectivity, reduce road congestion, and boost tourism in the region.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to visit Singapore for three days to participate in the ‘Singapore Maritime Week’, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Singapore. Scheduled meetings with Singaporean counterparts and top maritime leaders will focus on unlocking opportunities in the industry and navigating global trends.
At the fourth National Sagarmala Apex Committee meeting in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh Minister BC Janardhan Reddy emphasized the state’s commitment to maritime growth. He outlined plans to develop an Indian Maritime Center, enhance GDP, and establish a harbor in Bapatla, seeking central support for these initiatives to strengthen India’s maritime prowess.
India plans to invest nearly 4,000 billion rupees to expand the Iranian Chabahar port, aiming to quintuple its capacity to 500,000 TEUs by 2034. Orders for five mobile harbor cranes have been placed, and marketing efforts will enhance the port’s viability, strengthening India’s maritime influence in the region.
Kolkata Port has launched a state-of-the-art Navigational Simulator to improve training for pilots and maritime professionals on the challenging River Hooghly. Developed at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs by ARI with guidance from IIT Madras, the simulator will provide realistic training scenarios to enhance skills and efficiency in vessel navigation.
