On September 3, crew members aboard the Genting Dream cruise ship successfully rescued an individual in distress in the Straits of Malacca. After spotting a small boat signaling for help, the crew acted quickly, bringing the person onboard, providing food and medical care, and ensuring their ongoing safety and well-being.
Syros, Greece, is emerging as a maritime innovation hub through a partnership between the University of Aegean and EIT Digital. The EIT Digital Summer School focused on Maritime Informatics and Robotics, where participants built autonomous boats and honed coding skills, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to advance marine technology.
Ben Palmer, president of Inmarsat Maritime, observes a pivotal shift in the shipping industry towards tech investment. Operators now prioritize clarity of ROI, focusing on time and manpower savings. He anticipates integrated connectivity networks will dominate, enhancing cyber resilience and real-time insights, transforming communications into comprehensive service platforms.
ABB and Wallenius Marine have launched a joint venture in Stockholm to enhance their OVERSEA™ collaboration, providing advanced vessel performance management solutions. This initiative combines ABB’s ship technology expertise with Wallenius Marine’s fleet management knowledge, utilizing the OVERSEA™ platform for improved efficiency and sustainability in maritime operations.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) experienced a significant 16% year-on-year cargo volume increase in August 2025, reaching 41.9 million metric tons. This growth was driven by a 29% surge in container traffic, highlighting Mundra Port’s essential position in India’s trade dynamics and boosting the nation’s global supply chain connectivity.
Gibdock has solidified its status in the offshore industry by successfully completing major offshore support vessel projects. Collaborating with Boskalis, they worked on vessels like the Gateway and BOKA Southern Ocean. With ongoing projects, including the Normand Pacific, Gibdock emphasizes safety, quality, and competitive pricing for future endeavors.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will keynote the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week in Mumbai from October 27-31, 2025. The event aims to showcase India’s maritime strengths, attracting over 100,000 participants globally and reinforcing India’s leadership in the transforming maritime sector.
The Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has unveiled the world’s first commercial ammonia-based marine engine, achieving a major milestone in shipping decarbonization. The innovative dual-fuel engine, named 7UEC50LSJA-HPSCR, boasts a 95% reduction in greenhouse gases and is set for installation on an ammonia gas carrier by 2026.
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has awarded full scholarships to 22 students for advanced studies at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana. This historic initiative aims to enhance maritime education and address the demand for skilled professionals, ultimately strengthening Liberia’s maritime sector and contributing to the nation’s economic development.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) recently celebrated its 76th anniversary, marking over seven decades of vital contributions to India’s maritime industry. Established in 1949, the DGS has shaped maritime policy, regulated shipping, and enhanced safety standards. Looking ahead, it aims to strengthen India’s maritime sector in line with future visions.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has partnered with the Indian Maritime University (IMU) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance maritime education and skill development. This collaboration aims to prepare future professionals for India’s growing maritime sector, establishing specialized Centres of Excellence at both SDHI and IMU campuses.
On September 2, 2025, the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-Being was adopted, establishing eight commitments to enhance sailor welfare amidst global challenges. Key commitments include upholding human rights, enforcing labor conventions, and ensuring seafarers can refuse unsafe assignments without retaliation, promoting corporate diligence and international cooperation.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on UAE maritime authorities to assist 19 stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf. These crew members, primarily from India, face dire conditions aboard an oil tanker due to fake contracts and lack of insurance, having been trapped for 15 months beyond the Maritime Labour Convention’s limits.
The Indonesian government has granted $1.3 million in scholarships to the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) for maritime training programs benefiting 96 seafarers. The initiative includes a Training of Trainers course and a program on Assessment, Examination, and Certification, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards.
The Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) is launching a pilot program allowing citizens to invest in ships through fractional ownership. This initiative will issue profit-linked securities tied to existing vessels, aiming to raise up to 1 trillion won ($730 million). Retail investors can subscribe via brokerage accounts, with tradable securities.
