News items selected for weekly newsletter
India has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for 2028–29, prioritizing maritime security and seafarer safety. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for a rule-based maritime order and collective action against threats to sea lanes, aiming to enhance global shipping safety and counter terror financing.
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.
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.
Lloyd’s Register has awarded the first Type Approval Certificate for a fully hydrogen-fueled marine engine developed by BeHydro, confirming its adherence to safety and performance standards. This innovative engine, tested at ABC Engines in Ghent, operates solely on hydrogen, eliminating carbon emissions and offering a zero-carbon propulsion solution.
DNV has launched a new recommended practice for using hydrogen as ship fuel, focusing on the competence requirements for crew and technical personnel. With safety concerns like leakage and high-pressure storage, proper training is essential. The RP aims to guide operational procedures and enhance emergency preparedness for hydrogen-fueled vessels.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an advanced Ship Repair Facility in Vadinar, Gujarat, with a ₹1,570 crore investment. This initiative aims to enhance India’s ship repair capabilities, create around 290 direct jobs, and support regional economic growth, aligning with Maritime India Vision 2030.
A delegation from Hamburg’s Senate, led by Economic Affairs Senator Melanie Leonhard, recently visited India to strengthen maritime trade relations. Key figures, including Jens Meier and Hendrik Meyn, engaged in discussions on sustainable port infrastructure in Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi, emphasizing collaboration amid the evolving EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) is optimistic about the Union Budget’s provisions set to bolster the state’s maritime sector. With initiatives in coastal shipping and shipbuilding, Gujarat aims for rapid growth. The new Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme seeks to elevate coastal freight movement, positioning the state as a premier maritime hub.
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya completed its historic maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat on January 14, 2026. This journey underscores India’s maritime heritage and its enduring ties with Oman. Union Minister Sonowal described it as a vital step in reviving India’s maritime legacy and future aspirations.
India is enhancing warship exports to revamp its shipbuilding industry. The Ministry of Defense is expanding facilities in state-owned shipyards like Mazagon Dock and Garden Reach. This aligns with the SAGAR vision, fostering maritime ties with countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam, while aiming to improve construction efficiency against competitors.
The “Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights 2025 Progress Report” highlights how clearly defined responsibilities impact welfare outcomes in the maritime industry. Analyzing data from 710 companies and over 13,000 vessels, it underscores the connection between seafarer welfare, safety, and operational resilience, advocating for collective industry action to address ongoing challenges.
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.
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.
On January 5, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the Indian Coast Guard’s pivotal role in coastal security during the commissioning of the ‘Samudra Pratap’. He emphasized India’s commitment to maritime peace and environmental stewardship, urging the ICG to enhance operational standards and set benchmarks in global maritime governance.
| Cookie | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
| cookielawinfo-checbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
| cookielawinfo-checbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
| cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
| viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |