Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from President Patrick Herminie during his first visit to Seychelles since 2015. Their meeting included planting a Coco de Mer sapling, symbolizing environmental cooperation. India also delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel and other aid, reinforcing commitments to maritime security and sustainable development.
A second commercial vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, revealing escalating security threats. The Panama-flagged tanker KIKU sustained damage from an unidentified projectile, but the crew remained unharmed. This event follows an earlier attack on the Ever Lovely, leading to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian facilities amid rising tensions.
On Friday, the Centre announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment in Goa’s maritime sector, focusing on the Goa Water Metro project. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that this initiative will modernize coastal and inland waterways, enhancing urban mobility. The new Captain of Ports Terminal Building symbolizes Goa’s maritime heritage and future aspirations.
Arsenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organization, reported approximately 80 mines in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the urgent need for demining to ensure safe navigation. While Iran has agreed to participate, the evacuation of around 500 stranded vessels must take precedence, a process complicated by recent attacks.
Dominguez emphasized the overlooked struggles of seafarers facing perilous conditions amid ongoing conflicts. He lamented the tragic loss of 14 seafarers from over 40 attacks, urging for immediate action. The IMO chief is working to provide essential support for those stranded, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing the safety of these individuals.
Approximately 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers have been evacuated from the Strait of Hormuz since Tuesday, according to Arsenio Dominguez of the International Maritime Organization. This update follows the suspension of evacuation efforts for 600 ships after a recent attack in the Gulf of Oman, raising safety concerns for maritime operations.
On June 26, Tehran reaffirmed its control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, warning Gulf states against U.S. alignment. Following an attack on a vessel, the fragility of a preliminary peace deal was evident. Iran criticized a joint U.S.-Gulf statement on tolls, asserting its role in ensuring navigation safety.
Kongsberg Maritime leads the EU-supported AWESOME initiative to boost wind-assisted propulsion adoption in shipping. By providing validated tools and real-world data, it aims to reduce uncertainties for shipowners. Uniting 15 partners, the project addresses design, training, and market entry, promoting wind propulsion as a viable, greener shipping solution.
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, praised Oman’s initiative to evacuate over 11,000 stranded seafarers by creating a temporary maritime corridor. This plan, in collaboration with the IMO, enhances maritime safety and aligns with international law, promoting freedom of navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 predicts a critical shortage of STCW certified officers, estimating a need for an additional 113,735 by 2030. Currently, 2.57 million seafarers operate 85,148 vessels. To meet future demands, the maritime industry must recruit and retain 22,747 officers annually, emphasizing the urgency of strategic workforce planning.
On June 25, the Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely was hit by an unidentified projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first attack since a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore condemned the incident as a violation of international law, emphasizing the need for safe navigation.
Oman has informed European officials that returning to pre-war conditions in the Strait of Hormuz is not feasible, potentially resulting in transit fees for ships. While Omani representatives emphasize adherence to international maritime law, discussions about operational costs with Iran create concerns about a possible toll system amidst rising tensions in the region.
Eight crew members from the MV Epaminondas have been released after months of detention following the vessel’s seizure by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Four Filipino crew members returned home on June 23, receiving support from the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, while others await repatriation clearance.
On June 25 in Manila, MARINA and Norwegian firm Mintra signed a pivotal agreement to enhance Filipino seafarer training. This initiative will integrate digital learning and AI support, addressing the evolving maritime landscape. Emphasizing international cooperation, it aims to equip seafarers with essential skills for a future shaped by automation.
The Kerala High Court is investigating pollution risks from the sunken MSC Elsa 3, which went down on May 25, 2025, carrying hazardous cargo. The court seeks information on cargo types, pollution risks, and prevention strategies. This inquiry aims to safeguard marine ecosystems and local economies reliant on fishing and tourism.
