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On December 20, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd (NSML) selected 21 cadets for overseas sea-time training, addressing the global shortage of certified seafarers. This initiative includes 60 sea-time slots from Nigerian ship owners, enhancing local maritime skills. NSML’s Managing Director highlighted the commitment to industry growth and economic development.
Babcock International Group’s LGE division has reached a milestone with its ecoCO2® cargo handling system. The first of four 22,000m³ liquefied CO₂ carriers completed its maiden gas trial, marking the system’s first operational test. This achievement confirms the ecoCO2® technology’s effectiveness in managing low-pressure CO₂ cargo.
Danish shipping giant Maersk announced that its vessel, Maersk Sebarok, successfully navigated the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the first time in nearly two years. While no immediate plans for full route reopening exist, Maersk aims for a gradual resumption of navigation through these vital trade passages.
On December 19, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Amulya, the third vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol series, in Goa. Designed by Goa Shipyard Limited, this 51-meter patrol boat features over 60% indigenous components, symbolizing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and enhancing maritime security capabilities.
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 17, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost investment. This collaboration focuses on job creation and supply-chain resilience while enhancing maritime cooperation, energy initiatives like green hydrogen, and defense measures. Seven agreements were signed, highlighting diverse cooperative areas.
On November 12, the Iranian Coast Guard seized a ship accused of diesel smuggling, detaining its 18-member crew, primarily from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. While the crew is allowed to leave Iran, they face delays due to “technical issues” with the vessel’s operation, awaiting assistance from the Indian Embassy.
The Union government has approved a ₹887 crore marina project in Mumbai Harbour, set to enhance maritime tourism. The Mumbai Port Authority will invest ₹470 crore for infrastructure, while a private operator contributes ₹417 crore. Spanning 12 hectares, the marina will accommodate 424 yachts and create over 2,000 jobs.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has issued a 10-point advisory to combat the exploitation of seafarers by unauthorized recruitment agents. It stresses the necessity of engaging only with certified Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) companies and encourages verification through the DGS website to avoid significant risks and ensure ethical practices.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, urged restraint amidst the escalating Black Sea conflict. He stressed the need to protect innocent seafarers and merchant vessels from being targeted, warning that rising tensions pose significant risks not only to human lives but also to the marine environment.
Recycllux, a Romanian start-up founded by Sorina Uleia in 2021, is innovatively tackling marine plastic waste using AI. With support from BlueInvest, the company empowers local communities to detect and collect plastic debris through satellite imagery analysis. Their approach combines technology and community involvement, promoting sustainable recycling practices across the Mediterranean.
The Directorate General of Shipping is reforming the Certificate of Competency (CoC) examination to boost global employment for Indian seafarers. Aiming for a 20% share of the maritime workforce, these changes could create 220,000 jobs in five years, while enhancing safety and aligning with international standards.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) hosted the 3rd IALA Council Meeting in Mumbai from December 8–12, 2025, with over 60 delegates from 30 countries. Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the event, highlighting India’s growing role in maritime standards and launching a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism.
A powerful storm system is rapidly intensifying over the North Atlantic, producing hurricane-force winds and severe seas. U.S. forecasters warn mariners of significant risks. With winds ranging from 60 to 80 knots and wave heights reaching 15 meters, the storm threatens maritime activities across a wide area.
Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has initiated the development of the UEC50LSJM, a methanol-fueled engine, following the completion of its ammonia-fueled engine, the 7UEC50LSJA. Additionally, J-ENG is working on a hydrogen-fueled engine, the 6UEC35LSGH, set for completion by fiscal year 2027, enhancing efforts for carbon neutrality.
India is making notable progress in green maritime initiatives, with ports adopting renewable energy and sustainable practices. This shift, informed by global health and environmental standards, aims to balance economic growth with eco-friendliness. Key strategies include clean fuels like green hydrogen and the Maritime India Vision 2030, targeting significant emission reductions.
