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Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC) is discussing with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to set up a shipyard in India. The company is looking into utilizing a shipyard in Pipavav, Gujarat for construction and repairs. With global shipyard space running low, MSC is considering this move to address its growing needs.
A high-level delegation from Hanwha Ocean Co. Ltd. of South Korea, led by Senior Vice President Jin Su Lee, recently visited India to explore collaboration opportunities in the shipbuilding industry. Both nations are interested in working together to strengthen their positions, with India aiming to be among the world’s top 10 shipbuilders by 2030.
Wind energy has a rich history in vessel propulsion, evolving from sails to modern technologies like Flettner rotors. These cylinders redirect wind energy to propel large ships, reducing fuel consumption. Recent advancements offer opportunities to enhance wind-assisted vessels. Combining technologies like Flettner rotors shows promise in harnessing wind power for sustainable maritime transportation.
India is making strides towards transitioning its entire waterways shipping to renewable energy in five years, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2070. With plans for green energy vessels and hydrogen hubs, the country is committed to sustainability in the maritime sector and reducing its environmental impact.
In 2024, the maritime industry witnessed a surge in orders for alternative fuel vessels, with 515 such ships ordered compared to the previous year. Container ships accounted for the majority of these orders, showcasing a shift towards sustainable propulsion technologies. LNG remained popular, but methanol and ammonia also gained traction as alternative fuel choices.
Cases of crew abandonment reached a new alarming high last year, more than doubling from the record levels of 2023. Data from the International Maritime Organization revealed 310 cases of crew abandonment in 2024, a significant increase of 118% from the previous year. Experts attribute this rise to the growth of the shadow fleet.
India’s National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has partnered with the Indian Ports Association (IPA) to revolutionize the maritime sector through digital transformation. By integrating technology with industry expertise, the initiative aims to modernize operations, enhance efficiency, and streamline logistics, aligning with the goal of making India a leader in maritime digital advancements.
The International Chamber of Shipping, along with 47 governments, has proposed a GHG emissions pricing mechanism for international shipping to the IMO. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of shipping by introducing GHG contributions per tonne of CO2e emitted. This initiative is supported by major shipping nations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the final version of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 12021, the “Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers,” to benefit Filipino seafarers. The IRR aims to enhance protection, welfare, and empowerment of seafarers, emphasizing one-stop-shop centers to simplify processes and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration is collaborating with the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat to develop a coastal Union Territory Pavilion. This initiative aims to showcase India’s rich maritime history through artefacts, exhibits, and traditional practices. Contributions are welcome to enrich the Pavilion and promote a deeper understanding of the country’s maritime heritage.
EU-funded researchers have developed the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) to enhance communication between maritime authorities. Led by Isto Matilla at Laurea University in Finland, the platform aims to address illegal activities at sea by improving cooperation. The system integrates surveillance systems across European countries to facilitate data exchange and coordination in monitoring sea borders.
In 2024, the ITF reclaimed A$30.7 million in unpaid wages for seafarers, evidencing a troubling rise in labor rights violations on international cargo vessels. Despite AMSA’s inspections and bans, advocacy groups highlight the ongoing plight of these “invisible workers” facing harsh conditions, wage theft, and inadequate living standards.
EIVA and Tuco Marine have partnered to develop integrated autonomous systems for inspecting subsea assets, focusing on renewable energy cables. Utilizing Tuco’s ProZero 8m USV and EIVA’s ViperFish ROTV, they aim to enhance subsea monitoring, delivering high-resolution data for improved asset management and safety in challenging underwater environments.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has introduced Asia’s largest Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility at the ‘Discovery’ Satellite Campus in Thaiyur. This cutting-edge facility will revolutionize coastal and marine engineering research in India, focusing on critical issues in ports, waterways, and coastal infrastructure. This facility is supported by the Ministry of Shipping.
The development of National Waterway (NW)-2 on the Brahmaputra River and NW-16 on the Barak River is underway, with a significant budget allocated by the central government. Key components include terminal construction, access road expansion, and fairway development. Progress stands at 71.23% for NW-2 and 16.39% for NW-16, aiming to improve connectivity and trade in Assam.
