News items selected for weekly newsletter
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya completed its historic maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat on January 14, 2026. This journey underscores India’s maritime heritage and its enduring ties with Oman. Union Minister Sonowal described it as a vital step in reviving India’s maritime legacy and future aspirations.
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has revised its Unified Requirement UR M78, introducing vital safety standards for ammonia-fueled marine engines. This update is essential for the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts, incorporating enhanced risk analysis, gas recovery systems, and improved safety measures to support the transition to zero-carbon fuels.
South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HMM have launched a demonstration for the nation’s first domestically developed wing sail for wind-assisted propulsion. Installed on the product tanker Oriental Aquamarine, this technology aims to enhance eco-friendly ship designs, potentially saving fuel by 5% to 20%.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated four major infrastructure projects at Visakhapatnam Port Authority, marking a ₹230 crore investment. The initiatives aim to enhance safety and operational facilities, bolstering the port’s cargo capacity. Local leaders highlighted the port’s significance in regional development, while completion certificates were awarded to maritime students.
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla has partnered with Green-Kutch NextGen Pvt. Ltd. to create a green hydrogen ecosystem, aiming to support India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. This initiative includes establishing a “Kutch Green Hydrogen Park” and enhancing local job opportunities, particularly for youth and MSMEs, while advancing sustainability goals.
India is enhancing warship exports to revamp its shipbuilding industry. The Ministry of Defense is expanding facilities in state-owned shipyards like Mazagon Dock and Garden Reach. This aligns with the SAGAR vision, fostering maritime ties with countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam, while aiming to improve construction efficiency against competitors.
The “Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights 2025 Progress Report” highlights how clearly defined responsibilities impact welfare outcomes in the maritime industry. Analyzing data from 710 companies and over 13,000 vessels, it underscores the connection between seafarer welfare, safety, and operational resilience, advocating for collective industry action to address ongoing challenges.
The maritime industry faces a pivotal moment as the urgency for decarbonization becomes an immediate necessity. With the IMO’s Net Zero Framework delayed until 2026, uncertainty looms. Companies like WinGD are leading the charge, delivering innovative solutions like the methanol-optimized X-DF-M engine and ammonia-fueled engines, driving significant emission reductions.
India, a key member of ReCAAP, is bolstering ties with the Singapore-based ISC to enhance maritime safety. Vijay D. Chafekar highlighted the focus on collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. Despite a slight uptick in piracy incidents, effective arrests have mitigated threats, underscoring the need for timely reporting by shipping firms.
The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has identified ten islands for tourism development, with three in Udupi and seven in Uttara Kannada. Utilizing a public-private partnership model, the KMB plans to invest approximately ₹313.5 crore to enhance maritime transport, integrating tourism and commerce along Karnataka’s coast.
The TwinShip consortium has launched its fourth pilot demonstration: an unmanned Ro-Ro vessel powered by green fuels and renewable energy, targeting Net Zero Emissions by 2045. Utilizing advanced digital twin technology, the project optimizes voyage planning and explores renewable energy as a cost-saving and decarbonization strategy for sustainable maritime operations.
Adani Mundra Port has marked a milestone by berthing India’s first fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). This achievement underscores the port’s advanced infrastructure, enhancing crude oil import efficiency and positioning India as a competitive global maritime logistics hub, ready for next-generation shipping solutions and increasing energy demands.
Three Indian seafarers are among the 28 crew members of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The incident, involving crew from multiple countries, has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the US. India has yet to officially respond to the situation.
In Q3 2025, Saudi Arabia’s tourism workforce surpassed 1 million, reflecting a 6.4% increase from 2024. This growth aligns with Vision 2030’s goal to boost tourism’s GDP contribution to 10%. Non-Saudi workers made up 75.7% of the workforce, while hotel occupancy rose to 49.1%, indicating a thriving sector.
PaxOcean Group and ABB have launched Singapore’s first fully electric tug, PXO-ACE-1, enhancing the city-state’s harbor craft electrification efforts. Set for deployment in April 2026, this 50-tonne tug features ABB’s advanced electric propulsion system, aligning with the Maritime and Port Authority’s 2030 sustainability goals for harbor vessels.
