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India’s maritime sector has transformed significantly over 11 years, with an expected Rs 80 lakh crore investment over the next 22 years. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this during the Golden Jubilee of the New Mangalore Port, emphasizing the importance of maritime capabilities for a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047.
A collaboration between GTT, Bloom Energy, and Ponant Explorations Group aims to develop the first net-zero cruise ship, integrating fuel cells with marine carbon capture technology. The project seeks to create an energy-efficient vessel that meets onboard consumption needs while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with plans for operation by 2030.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has marked a pivotal moment in India’s maritime industry by securing its first international order for container vessels, valued between $225 million and $300 million. This milestone, which involves constructing six LNG-powered feeder ships for CMA CGM, positions India as a rising contender in global shipbuilding.
Swedish prosecutors have determined that damage to an undersea communication cable between Sweden and Latvia was accidental, concluding their investigation initiated after the cable was discovered damaged on January 26, 2025. Severe weather, technical failures, and vessel handling negligence contributed to the incident, which involved the Maltese-flagged vessel, Vezhen.
India is set to establish a federal Transport Planning Authority to enhance infrastructure development in aviation, highways, shipping, railways, and urban transport. This initiative aims to address inefficiencies from fragmented planning, ensuring projects are financially viable and aligned. Approval is expected within three to six months, paving the way for coordinated investments.
The Indian government has opened the PM GatiShakti portal to the private sector, allowing companies and researchers to access geospatial data for logistics and infrastructure improvement. Announced by Minister Piyush Goyal, this initiative includes 230 verified datasets, fostering innovation and enhancing operational efficiency across various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched PM GatiShakti–Offshore, empowering efficient planning of offshore projects like wind farms. This digital platform integrates vital datasets from various ministries, enhancing data-driven decision-making, efficiency, and sustainability in coastal development while supporting India’s Blue Economy and green energy transition.
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has introduced the HydroPen Reefer to tackle the rising fire hazards associated with refrigerated containers carrying combustible cargoes like lithium batteries. This innovative tool enhances traditional firefighting methods, allowing crews to extinguish flames directly at their source, even through thick container walls, ensuring rapid and effective responses.
The Vizhinjam International Port project in Kerala will enter its second phase on November 5, overseen by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This phase, developed by Adani Ports with an investment of ₹10,000–15,000 crore, aims to enhance Kerala’s economy and secure Vizhinjam’s status as a key South Asian transshipment hub.
Reach Subsea has gained approval from Norwegian maritime authorities to operate its first uncrewed surface vessel, Reach Remote 1, independently for offshore missions. This milestone allows it to deploy work-class remotely operated vehicles without a support ship. The vessel’s safety has been validated, marking a significant advancement in autonomous subsea operations.
India’s maritime sector stands at a crucial juncture, with over 11,000 kilometers of coastline and vital port infrastructure. Despite handling 95% of trade by volume through maritime channels, its global shipping tonnage share remains under 2%. To modernize and expand, an investment of USD 885-940 billion is essential by 2047.
Bhubaneswar’s Balijatra, Odisha’s historic maritime festival, will debut at the British Parliament on November 14, organized by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom. The event features a two-day program themed “Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures,” celebrating Odia culture, music, and traditions while fostering international dialogue on heritage.
Odisha is poised to be the first among India’s nine coastal states to implement a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework, bolstering its blue economy. Following successful launches in Puducherry and Lakshadweep, this initiative aims to optimize Odisha’s 575-km coastline for sustainable trade, tourism, and fisheries while promoting long-term economic growth.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a warning regarding increased interference affecting Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Automatic Identification System (AIS) displays. Reports of disruptions, particularly around Bandar-e-Pars, the Strait of Hormuz, and Port Sudan, have surged since October 3, raising safety concerns for maritime operators.
The NSB Group has partnered with Phlair to enhance its decarbonization efforts by capturing CO2 at Phlair’s “Dawn” facility. This collaboration targets NSB’s Scope 1 and 3 emissions, reflecting a trend in the shipping industry as companies like NYK and Schneider Electric invest in carbon removal credits from DAC technologies.
