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Interlink Shipping Services’ Managing Director, Ashish Kumar, urgently urged the Fijian government and MSAF to address a severe reduction in shipping services between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu due to a shortage of skilled seafarers. This situation compromises safety and disrupts vital passenger and freight transport. Immediate action is essential.
The CMA CGM Group recently celebrated the naming of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME in Le Havre, introducing the largest French-flagged containership. At 400 meters long and with a capacity of 24,000 TEUs, it is the largest LNG-powered vessel, showcasing advanced technology to reduce harmful emissions in maritime transport.
Maharashtra is developing a ₹20,000-crore greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dighi in Raigad, spearheaded by Mazagon Dock. The site’s strategic location near port infrastructure and its extensive industrial land aim to bolster India’s shipbuilding capabilities, attracting investments and enhancing maritime services essential for a robust manufacturing hub.
India and Seychelles have strengthened maritime cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ training and certification. This agreement, a result of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, enables qualified Indian seafarers to work on Seychelles-flagged vessels, enhancing employment opportunities and aligning with global maritime standards.
At the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference in Lagos, Minister Adegboyega Oyetola highlighted the urgent need to dismantle barriers preventing women’s participation in the maritime sector. He emphasized fostering partnerships and investing in skill development to empower women, while Dr. Odunayo Ani and Dr. Dayo Mobereola reinforced the importance of collaboration for Africa’s maritime growth.
South Korea is preparing for a second wave of investments in India, focusing on shipbuilding and defence manufacturing. This shift signifies an evolution in bilateral ties, as South Korean firms venture beyond traditional sectors. With India aiming for self-reliance, collaboration in these areas offers significant potential for growth and technological transfer.
The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in Tacloban City will offer free training for Filipino seafarers starting August 3. Approved by the Department of Migrant Workers, this initiative aims to ease the financial burden of mandatory training costs. It includes 22 programs, marking a significant change in NMP’s history.
Classification society ClassNK has introduced the world’s first notation, ‘a-EA (CFP)’, to verify greenhouse gas emissions from ship construction. This notation, part of ClassNK’s Environmental Guidelines, helps shipyards and owners demonstrate environmental value and supports accurate reporting of Scope 3 emissions, aligning with ISO 14067 standards for carbon footprint assessment.
The Australian Government has chosen five organizations to train future seafarers through its Maritime Skills and Training Initiative (MSTI). With a $13.8 million investment, the program aims to address critical skills shortages by providing essential sea time for trainees, enhancing pathways into maritime careers, and supporting over 20 cadets annually.
The Directorate General of Shipping has lifted restrictions on Indian vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns for shipowners engaged in Gulf trade. This change reflects an improved risk assessment, allowing standard operations to resume and enhancing cargo movement in a crucial maritime chokepoint for oil and goods.
Mumbai’s SHM Global has been acknowledged for its pioneering indigenous lifeboat development, aligning with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. At the Indian Register of Shipping ceremony, MD Praveen K. Mishra praised the KISS 700 and PN95FA lifeboats, emphasizing SHM’s role in enhancing India’s maritime self-reliance and safety standards.
Seafarers’ Rights International commemorated the Day of the Seafarer by advocating for greater international cooperation to protect seafarers affected by geopolitical tensions and conflicts. This year’s theme, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” highlights the dangers faced by commercial shipping, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated action among stakeholders.
The Indian Coast Guard has welcomed the ICGS Akshay, a state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessel, in Goa. As the first of eight vessels, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, it enhances coastal security capabilities. Designed for diverse operations, its induction marks a significant step in India’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts and maritime readiness.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, enhancing application and issuance processes for seafarers. Dr. Dayo Mobereola highlighted its role in digital transformation, aiming to streamline procedures and improve certification integrity, ensuring better support for Nigerian seafarers in global trade.
The Seafarers Union of Kenya has expressed concerns over the absence of a national wage structure for seafarers, urging government action for fair compensation. Secretary Atie Ramadhan highlighted that many Kenyan seafarers earn less than foreign peers, calling for collaboration with the Seafarers Wages Council to establish equitable salary guidelines.
