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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.
The Directorate General of Shipping has established an expert committee to evaluate Collective Bargaining Agreements for Indian seafarers, focusing on wages and working conditions. Over 350,000 Indian seafarers represent a significant portion of the global workforce. The review aims to align CBAs with national and international standards, improving conditions overall.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced the theme for World Maritime Day 2025 as “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” This theme highlights the importance of protecting and responsibly utilizing our oceans. The celebration on 25 September 2025 will emphasize the significance of promoting sustainable development in the maritime industry.
An Indian delegation led by Secretary T.K. Ramachandran of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways recently visited South Korea’s main shipyards to explore collaboration opportunities. India aims to strengthen its presence in the international shipbuilding industry and plans to add 1,000 commercial ships to its fleet over the next ten years.
The government is considering granting infrastructure status to the shipping industry to boost India’s shipbuilding and ownership rankings by 2047. This would allow shipping companies better access to funds for ship purchases from Indian shipyards, promoting growth in the industry. The move aligns with India’s goal to become a global leader in shipbuilding.
The Indian government is considering granting infrastructure status to the shipping industry, aiming to boost its global ranking in shipbuilding by 2047. This change would facilitate long-term financing for shipping companies, enhancing domestic ownership and supporting local shipyards, while leveling the competitive landscape against foreign firms with cheaper funding.
