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On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard inaugurated ‘Samudra Pratap’, its first domestically developed pollution control vessel. This achievement enhances India’s ability to tackle maritime pollution and reflects a commitment to self-reliance in defense. Equipped with advanced technology, the vessel will play a vital role in environmental protection and maritime security.
After nearly two years of interruptions, major shipping lines have resumed sailing through the Suez Canal, crucial for global trade. The giant LNG-powered vessel CMA CGM Jacques Saade recently navigated the route, marking significant progress. However, challenges like high insurance premiums and security threats remain, complicating the recovery.
The Vizhinjam International Port is set to boost local tourism by allowing ship crew members to go ashore and explore nearby attractions. This new ‘shore leave’ policy enables crew from visiting vessels to enjoy sights like Kovalam Beach while their ships handle cargo, fostering increased visitor engagement and tourism opportunities.
An Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier, the Christophe de Margerie, has made history by completing the first winter pickup of LNG from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 plant. Loaded on December 19, this pivotal achievement for Novatek signifies an effort to sustain production amid Arctic winter challenges, highlighting advancements in ice-class shipping capabilities.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has marked significant progress in its 60-ton Bollard Pull Tug program for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. Key milestones include the keel laying of the first tug and a contract for a second vessel, underscoring the collaboration aimed at modernizing VPA’s fleet in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030.
In response to rising exploitation of seafarers by unauthorized recruitment agents, India has issued a 10-point advisory. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) urges seafarers to engage only with registered Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies, emphasizing the need to verify their authenticity to avoid financial and personal risks.
Smart Ship Hub (SSH) predicts 2026 will be a transformative year for the maritime industry, emphasizing the necessity of digital transformation for profitability. CEO Joy Basu highlights the demand for measurable ROI and real-time intelligence, urging stakeholders to focus on tangible benefits from digitalization, including enhanced operational efficiency and automation through AI.
India and the Netherlands have formalized a collaboration on maritime heritage through a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. This partnership, established during a meeting between S. Jaishankar and David van Wiel, aims to enhance cultural ties and promote India’s maritime history globally.
On December 20, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Ltd (NSML) selected 21 cadets for overseas sea-time training, addressing the global shortage of certified seafarers. This initiative includes 60 sea-time slots from Nigerian ship owners, enhancing local maritime skills. NSML’s Managing Director highlighted the commitment to industry growth and economic development.
Babcock International Group’s LGE division has reached a milestone with its ecoCO2® cargo handling system. The first of four 22,000m³ liquefied CO₂ carriers completed its maiden gas trial, marking the system’s first operational test. This achievement confirms the ecoCO2® technology’s effectiveness in managing low-pressure CO₂ cargo.
Danish shipping giant Maersk announced that its vessel, Maersk Sebarok, successfully navigated the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the first time in nearly two years. While no immediate plans for full route reopening exist, Maersk aims for a gradual resumption of navigation through these vital trade passages.
On December 19, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Amulya, the third vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol series, in Goa. Designed by Goa Shipyard Limited, this 51-meter patrol boat features over 60% indigenous components, symbolizing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and enhancing maritime security capabilities.
India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 17, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost investment. This collaboration focuses on job creation and supply-chain resilience while enhancing maritime cooperation, energy initiatives like green hydrogen, and defense measures. Seven agreements were signed, highlighting diverse cooperative areas.
On November 12, the Iranian Coast Guard seized a ship accused of diesel smuggling, detaining its 18-member crew, primarily from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. While the crew is allowed to leave Iran, they face delays due to “technical issues” with the vessel’s operation, awaiting assistance from the Indian Embassy.
The Union government has approved a ₹887 crore marina project in Mumbai Harbour, set to enhance maritime tourism. The Mumbai Port Authority will invest ₹470 crore for infrastructure, while a private operator contributes ₹417 crore. Spanning 12 hectares, the marina will accommodate 424 yachts and create over 2,000 jobs.
