India contributes about 12% of the global maritime workforce, but Indian seafarers face significant risks. Recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in seven out of 16 fatalities being Indian. Additionally, they represent 18% of crew abandoned by shipowners globally, raising serious concerns about their welfare and safety at sea.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced a ₹1,100-crore expansion at its Kattupalli shipyard near Chennai, enhancing shipbuilding and repair capabilities. The initiative includes new fabrication shops, support infrastructure, and a skill development center, reinforcing L&T’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s industrial growth and contributing significantly to India’s maritime sector.
The 2026 Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course, organized by WMU and IMO, concluded on July 8, gathering 23 maritime professionals from 18 countries. The initiative aimed to enhance leadership skills and promote gender equality, featuring online learning and interactive workshops that addressed gender-related challenges in the maritime sector.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has upgraded its online booking platform, adding 340 daily appointment slots for seafarers. This enhancement addresses inefficiencies by recycling canceled slots for immediate use, improving access to Seafarer’s Record Books and Identity Documents. Seafarers are encouraged to check the eGovPH app frequently for updates.
The escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in tragic human casualties, with one Indian seafarer killed and at least ten injured from missile strikes on two commercial tankers. These assaults have heightened concerns over maritime security, as the confirmed death toll among seafarers now stands at 15, revealing the crisis’s harsh impact.
In 2024, nearly 20% of seafarer fatalities were due to work-related incidents, as reported by the International Labor Organization (ILO). A total of 449 deaths were recorded, with illness, particularly cardiovascular issues, being the primary cause. Work-related incidents accounted for 86 fatalities, highlighting urgent safety and medical support needs.
Officials from the Indian Consulate in Dubai visited injured Indian seafarers following a recent tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The crew members, recovering in various UAE hospitals, received support and reassurance from the Consulate. The attack resulted in significant damage, one fatality, and several injuries among the crew.
Italy’s competition authority, AGCM, has launched an investigation into Luise Group for potentially abusing its dominant position in the superyacht marina sector. Complaints from ACQ Italy allege that Luise denied berth requests from 2022 to 2025, later offering them to affiliated companies. The inquiry will assess compliance with antitrust laws.
SMD has delivered the first of two heavy-duty power cable ploughs to Prysmian for its new-generation cable laying vessels. Designed to bury cables up to five meters deep, this collaboration enhances offshore grid connections, linking renewable energy sources to industrial hubs across Europe while minimizing local disruption and ensuring reliable energy infrastructure.
The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS) has launched a Centenary Appeal to fund its vital welfare services, celebrating 100 years of support for seafarers. With over 140,000 vessels handled annually, MtSS aids 20,000 seafarers each year, requiring S$950,000 to maintain and expand its critical services and outreach.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) plans to enhance its monitoring framework to include all Indian seafarers, irrespective of their vessel’s flag. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this initiative, aiming to improve safety, regulatory oversight, and support for Indian maritime professionals globally, ensuring compliance with international labor standards.
India’s campaign for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for 2028–29 emphasizes maritime security and safe sea lanes. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the initiative at the UN, highlighting the need for a rules-based maritime order and addressing issues like piracy, seafarer safety, and global trade disruptions.
In response to recent attacks on commercial ships in West Asia, Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the Directorate General of Shipping to establish an operational dashboard for tracking vessels with Indian crews. This initiative aims to ensure real-time monitoring of ships in critical regions, enhancing safety and welfare for seafarers.
The Iran-US conflict indirectly impacts India, particularly its seafarers. As tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, Indian sailors face increased risks, with many losing their lives or being stranded. This situation highlights the urgent need for protective measures, emphasizing the human cost of geopolitical strife on maritime workers.
India has summoned Iran’s deputy ambassador after Iranian cruise missiles struck two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing an Indian crew member and injuring others. New Delhi emphasized the need for de-escalation and safe navigation in this vital maritime route, highlighting concerns over regional stability and the safety of its nationals.
