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The UK New Year Honours List for 2025 has recognized individuals in the maritime industry for their services to diversity. Monica Kohli, president of WISTA UK, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Members of the RNLI and Sea Cadets were also recognized.
Estonia is advocating for a revision of its maritime laws to better address damage to undersea infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines. Minister Liisa Pakosta highlighted the inadequacy of current regulations in handling incidents like the recent damage linked to a Russian oil vessel. Estonia plans to propose updates to the International Maritime Organization by February.
Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman of APE owner V Group, unveiled a groundbreaking project focusing on solid waste collection from ships in waiting areas. The plan includes establishing a waste-derived fuel plant for green hydrogen production. A strategic partnership with key players in the sector highlights a holistic approach to sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the Rs 4,300-crore National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal as pivotal for preserving India’s maritime legacy. During a visit with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, he noted the project’s potential for national pride, education, tourism, and global collaborations, aiming for completion by 2028.
Egypt recently conducted a successful test of a new channel near the southern end of the Suez Canal. The trial run saw two ships passing through without incidents, aiming to increase the canal’s capacity by 6 to 8 ships daily. The expansion comes after a drop in revenue due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants.
Caterpillar Marine is at the forefront of developing methanol engines for the maritime industry, aligning with IMO 2050 goals. Their upgrade kit for Cat 3500E series engines meets regulatory requirements and customer demand for sustainable operations. With expertise in dual-fuel technologies, Caterpillar is driving the adoption of methanol for a greener future in shipping.
In a groundbreaking development, CONCOR has bridged the logistics gap between Chennai and Port Blair by introducing ICEBATTERY containers with a temperature of 5°C. This innovation will transform goods transportation to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, improving efficiency and reliability. The containers can maintain temperatures for up to three days, revolutionizing supply chain operations.
The first Russian-built ice-class LNG carrier, Alexey Kosygin, has started sea trials, signaling Russia’s push to increase its global LNG market share despite US sanctions. The tanker, part of the Arctic LNG 2 fleet, faces challenges due to sanctions. Additional tankers are planned, but construction has been hindered by geopolitical tensions.
The Directorate-General of Shipping has mandated CCTV systems on Indian-flagged merchant vessels over 500 gross tonnage to enhance maritime safety and security. These systems aid in incident response, search and rescue, and onboard security. The government’s strict guidelines underscore its commitment to protecting Indian seafarers and elevating safety standards in the maritime industry.
A new zero-emission electric ferry project in Mumbai, known as Harit Sagar or “Green Harbor” initiative, is set to revolutionize transportation by providing a cleaner and faster mode of travel. With a focus on sustainable port operations, the project aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2047 in major ports by 60%.
The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) signed a MoU in New Delhi to digitally transform India’s maritime sector. This partnership addresses outdated practices, leveraging technology and industry insights to enhance port efficiency. Key initiatives include advanced software development and the integration of AI and blockchain for optimized port management.
In March 2020, the cruise industry faced a major setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving passengers stranded worldwide. Today, Carnival Corp is leading the industry’s recovery with strong bookings for 2025. Despite rising costs, the company exceeded profit expectations in the fourth quarter. CEO Josh Weinstein is optimistic about the future.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued nine crew members of the Indian vessel Taj Dhare Haram, which sank in the northern Arabian Sea. The crew members were found in a life raft after abandoning their vessel. The mission was carried out under challenging sea conditions, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
The Odisha state government is set to enhance its marine infrastructure with the construction of two new seaports, in collaboration with PSA Singapore. These new ports, along with shipyards, aim to attract industries to Gopalpur and Dhamra areas. Investments in steel plants and shipyards near the ports signify the state’s commitment to industrial growth.
The forthcoming Coastal Shipping Bill and Merchant Shipping Bill are set to stimulate coastal shipping and bolster Indian ship ownership, as per Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Shipping and Ports. These bills aim to enhance the maritime sector, promote coastal security, and elevate maritime training standards to drive economic growth in India.
