Bhubaneswar: BJD President Naveen Patnaik attended the “Voyages: The Ancient Maritime Silk Route” exhibition in New Delhi, curated by Jaya Mani. The event highlights South Asia’s coastal heritage, with a focus on Odisha. Patnaik praised artists Suresh Muthukulam and Gunjan Jain for their contributions, celebrating the region’s rich maritime history.
In 2024, maritime casualties rose by 15%, driven by machinery failures and an aging fleet, with 44% of vessels over 25 years old. Incidents have surged 42% since 2018, raising safety concerns. Shipowners must enhance maintenance and adopt new technologies to address these escalating risks and ensure safer operations.
Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is partnering with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to build and operate two very large ethane carriers (VLECs), ensuring stable feedstock supply for ONGC Petro Additions Ltd. (OPaL) in Dahej, Gujarat. Each carrier will cost approximately $370 million, with delivery expected by mid-2028.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake, has invited Saudi Arabia to the International Maritime Summit in Colombo, aiming to enhance maritime cooperation. Discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Transport Minister focused on strengthening ties and exploring transport opportunities. The summit will address sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector, attracting various stakeholders.
On September 4, 2025, Singapore and India signed a memorandum of understanding in New Delhi, launching a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor. This initiative aims to enhance maritime decarbonization and digitization, facilitating zero-emission operations and promoting innovative green technologies. The partnership builds on earlier commitments to revolutionize the maritime sector.
On Saturday, Microsoft reported increased latency for Azure users due to undersea cable cuts in the Red Sea. Although the disruptions were acknowledged and traffic rerouted, permanent repairs may take longer. Internet traffic monitor NetBlocks identified the cuts near Jeddah, highlighting the vulnerability of subsea cables to both accidental and intentional damage.
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply equipment for India’s first electric tug at Deendayal Port in Kandla. This project is a key milestone in India’s Green Tug Transition Programme, featuring advanced technologies like permanent magnet-driven thrusters and energy storage systems. The tug, designed by NavNautik India, will enhance maritime decarbonization efforts.
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the largest cruise ship globally, embarked on its inaugural journey from Port Canaveral, Florida, on August 31. With over 5,000 passenger capacity and 20 decks, it features eight neighborhoods, multiple dining options, a lush park, and diverse entertainment, including a Back to the Future musical.
Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (BPIPL) to operate a new Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat. This aims to enhance logistics capabilities for Central Gujarat and the National Capital Region, with CONCOR overseeing operations and management.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a green hydrogen pilot plant at V O Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu, promoting alternative fuels. The 750 m³ capacity plant aligns with the Coastal Green Shipping Corridor initiative, enhancing VOC Port as a central hub for green fuel bunkering and supporting sustainable livelihoods through the Sagarmala programme.
Union Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that India’s port cargo volumes remain stable despite the US imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods. He attributed this resilience to strong domestic consumption and new trade agreements. Major ports continue to efficiently manage cargo, reflecting robust growth strategies.
Lloyd’s Register has launched a new risk-based notation, Fire (C, Risk), to enhance fire safety assessments for container vessels. This notation, part of the July 2025 update, allows stakeholders to evaluate fire risks and implement tailored safety enhancements, promoting innovation and supporting data-driven verification in ship design.
Virgin Voyages has launched its fourth cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, marking a significant milestone after pandemic-related delays. Under CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, the brand focuses on a unique onboard experience with no formal dress codes and flexible dining. With bookings up 70%, the company is poised for substantial growth.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, commended Orion Marine Services and Seatransport Ltd for raising salaries for seafarers. Emphasizing worker welfare, Bunu noted that satisfied employees enhance employer success. He urged other maritime companies to adopt similar practices, warning non-compliers may face reporting to NIMASA.
On September 5, 2025, a Fifth Circuit Court decision emphasized the principle of bailments in a case involving a sunken barge. The court ruled that the loading facility failed to demonstrate that damage occurred before delivery, highlighting the necessity for transparency regarding a vessel’s condition to avoid disputes in maritime relationships.
