News items selected for weekly newsletter
A delegation from Hamburg’s Senate, led by Economic Affairs Senator Melanie Leonhard, recently visited India to strengthen maritime trade relations. Key figures, including Jens Meier and Hendrik Meyn, engaged in discussions on sustainable port infrastructure in Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi, emphasizing collaboration amid the evolving EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
On February 23, 2023, the ILO and IMO marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). This treaty has greatly improved seafarers’ working conditions globally, promoting fair competition in shipping. It established enforceable standards for employment, wages, and health care, ensuring decent work at sea.
The recent inauguration of three new berths at VOC Port, including the North Cargo Berth-III, marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade capacity. With advancements in sustainable operations, such as green hydrogen production and the introduction of a Digital Twin platform, VOC Port is poised to lead India’s maritime future, aligning with net-zero goals.
The Swedish Club (TSC) has achieved a remarkable 99% retention rate in its 2026 P&I renewal, alongside an 8% increase in new entered tonnage. CEO Thomas Nordberg praised the team’s dedication, emphasizing TSC’s commitment to proactive risk management and personalized service, solidifying its position in the maritime insurance sector.
DetentionTrackr has launched a maritime intelligence platform that consolidates global Port State Control detention data into real-time insights. In February, 72 vessels were detained, totaling 164 since 2026. Co-Founder Thomas Cox highlights the AI-driven approach, enhancing decision-making for stakeholders by transforming fragmented data into structured, actionable intelligence.
BMT has launched its Digital Innovation & Simulation Centre (DISC) in Fareham, UK, featuring advanced simulation technology. Central to the facility is the BMT REMBRANDT navigation simulator, used globally for training and feasibility studies. The center supports both defense and commercial initiatives, focusing on autonomous vessels and digital maritime systems.
On the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, Human Rights at Sea urged Australia’s Transport Minister, Catherine King, to improve seafarer welfare services. Sue Dight, from Mission to Seafarers, is seeking funding across Australia, emphasizing the need for a coordinated national framework to support over 500,000 seafarers annually.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significance of skill development for India’s maritime sector at a Mumbai event. He awarded certificates to students completing courses and announced a partnership between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd and the Maharashtra government to offer free training, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a future-ready India.
Polestar Maritime Limited has ordered two 60-ton Bollard Pull Battery-Electric Green Tugs from Cochin Shipyard Limited. Designed for Jawaharlal Nehru Port, these tugs support India’s Green Tug Transition Programme, enhancing sustainability. Featuring battery-electric propulsion, they ensure zero emissions during harbor operations, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.
PaxOcean, part of the Kuok Maritime Group, has inaugurated a S$200 million shipyard in Singapore’s Jurong Industrial Estate. Spanning 17.26 hectares, the facility features two large graving docks and a floating dock, enhancing project efficiency. Over the next three years, PaxOcean will invest S$3.5 million in R&D for sustainable maritime solutions.
Mumbai’s historic eastern seafront is set for a transformative overhaul, with projects worth Rs 22,672 crore aimed at establishing it as a maritime and tourism hub by 2047. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized government commitment to revitalizing the port, enhancing operations, and creating vibrant new attractions for visitors and businesses.
In a groundbreaking move for maritime security, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has introduced India’s first advanced Anti-Drone System. This system, featuring Radio Frequency and radar-based detection, enhances protection against unauthorized drones, ensuring robust operations. The initiative aligns with national security priorities, marking a significant step in safeguarding critical port infrastructure.
Researchers are developing AI models to predict iceberg movements, enhancing shipping safety and climate monitoring. By analyzing historical drift patterns and ocean data, these systems improve tracking capabilities, enabling operators to anticipate hazards and plan safer routes, addressing limitations of traditional methods reliant on satellite imagery and manual analysis.
The Fast Patrol Vessel Amulya, measuring 51 meters and displacing 320 tonnes, is powered by dual 3,000 KW diesel engines, achieving speeds of 28 knots. Its advanced propulsion system, featuring indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers, enhances maneuverability, enabling it to perform vital maritime missions, including surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.
VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. has launched its marine propulsion segment, introducing Next-Generation compact Marine Engines at the India Boat and Marine Show. Ranging from 18hp to 28hp, these engines prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability, designed for fishing and coastal sectors, featuring advanced Japanese technology for superior performance.
