News items selected for weekly newsletter
The maritime industry faces a pivotal moment as the urgency for decarbonization becomes an immediate necessity. With the IMO’s Net Zero Framework delayed until 2026, uncertainty looms. Companies like WinGD are leading the charge, delivering innovative solutions like the methanol-optimized X-DF-M engine and ammonia-fueled engines, driving significant emission reductions.
India, a key member of ReCAAP, is bolstering ties with the Singapore-based ISC to enhance maritime safety. Vijay D. Chafekar highlighted the focus on collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. Despite a slight uptick in piracy incidents, effective arrests have mitigated threats, underscoring the need for timely reporting by shipping firms.
The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has identified ten islands for tourism development, with three in Udupi and seven in Uttara Kannada. Utilizing a public-private partnership model, the KMB plans to invest approximately ₹313.5 crore to enhance maritime transport, integrating tourism and commerce along Karnataka’s coast.
The TwinShip consortium has launched its fourth pilot demonstration: an unmanned Ro-Ro vessel powered by green fuels and renewable energy, targeting Net Zero Emissions by 2045. Utilizing advanced digital twin technology, the project optimizes voyage planning and explores renewable energy as a cost-saving and decarbonization strategy for sustainable maritime operations.
Adani Mundra Port has marked a milestone by berthing India’s first fully laden Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). This achievement underscores the port’s advanced infrastructure, enhancing crude oil import efficiency and positioning India as a competitive global maritime logistics hub, ready for next-generation shipping solutions and increasing energy demands.
Three Indian seafarers are among the 28 crew members of the Russian oil tanker Marinera, seized by the US Coast Guard in the North Atlantic. The incident, involving crew from multiple countries, has sparked a diplomatic row between Russia and the US. India has yet to officially respond to the situation.
In Q3 2025, Saudi Arabia’s tourism workforce surpassed 1 million, reflecting a 6.4% increase from 2024. This growth aligns with Vision 2030’s goal to boost tourism’s GDP contribution to 10%. Non-Saudi workers made up 75.7% of the workforce, while hotel occupancy rose to 49.1%, indicating a thriving sector.
PaxOcean Group and ABB have launched Singapore’s first fully electric tug, PXO-ACE-1, enhancing the city-state’s harbor craft electrification efforts. Set for deployment in April 2026, this 50-tonne tug features ABB’s advanced electric propulsion system, aligning with the Maritime and Port Authority’s 2030 sustainability goals for harbor vessels.
The launch of the first large-capacity vessel for CO2 transport, with a capacity of 22,000 cubic meters, signifies a breakthrough in shipping. Named Active, it will initially transport LPG under a six-month charter. Capital Clean Energy Carriers aims to capitalize on the expanding carbon capture market, projecting significant growth by 2030.
JNPA has launched its Integrated Vessel Traffic System (iVTS), moving away from the previous management by Mumbai Port Authority. This independent system aims to improve operational efficiency and maritime safety, tailored to the port’s specific needs. The initiative reflects JNPA’s commitment to modernizing facilities and enhancing navigation capabilities.
A research consortium led by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) has created an innovative underwater welding robot, MARIOW. This AI-driven system autonomously performs welding tasks, reducing dependence on skilled divers. It enhances precision and consistency, even in challenging conditions, addressing the shortage of qualified workers in maritime repairs.
Stakeholders are urgently calling for legal reforms to address the unjust prosecution of seafarers in drug-related cases. With organized crime exploiting maritime routes, innocent crew members face wrongful detentions, undermining their livelihoods and the maritime industry. This trend exacerbates the global shortage of skilled labor and threatens international trade.
In 2025, the North Sea hit a record average temperature of 11.6°C, the highest since 1969, according to Germany’s BSH. The Baltic Sea also saw near-record warmth at 9.7°C, reflecting a significant rise. These trends underscore the urgent climate crisis, with ocean warming rates doubling since 1993.
Saildrone is transforming underwater exploration with high-resolution acoustic imaging of the seabed. This technology aids defense agencies by revealing vital insights beneath waterways. The durable Saildrone Voyager ensures consistent subsurface intelligence, enabling the detection of buried objects and enhancing safety in mapping essential infrastructure without the risks of crewed assets.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has outlined the process for migrating seafarer profiles to the new e-Samudra portal, ensuring a seamless transition for all maritime personnel. Seafarers are advised to verify their mobile numbers and email addresses on the existing portal to receive important migration notifications.
