Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significance of skill development for India’s maritime sector at a Mumbai event. He awarded certificates to students completing courses and announced a partnership between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd and the Maharashtra government to offer free training, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a future-ready India.
Polestar Maritime Limited has ordered two 60-ton Bollard Pull Battery-Electric Green Tugs from Cochin Shipyard Limited. Designed for Jawaharlal Nehru Port, these tugs support India’s Green Tug Transition Programme, enhancing sustainability. Featuring battery-electric propulsion, they ensure zero emissions during harbor operations, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.
PaxOcean, part of the Kuok Maritime Group, has inaugurated a S$200 million shipyard in Singapore’s Jurong Industrial Estate. Spanning 17.26 hectares, the facility features two large graving docks and a floating dock, enhancing project efficiency. Over the next three years, PaxOcean will invest S$3.5 million in R&D for sustainable maritime solutions.
Mumbai’s historic eastern seafront is set for a transformative overhaul, with projects worth Rs 22,672 crore aimed at establishing it as a maritime and tourism hub by 2047. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized government commitment to revitalizing the port, enhancing operations, and creating vibrant new attractions for visitors and businesses.
In a groundbreaking move for maritime security, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has introduced India’s first advanced Anti-Drone System. This system, featuring Radio Frequency and radar-based detection, enhances protection against unauthorized drones, ensuring robust operations. The initiative aligns with national security priorities, marking a significant step in safeguarding critical port infrastructure.
Researchers are developing AI models to predict iceberg movements, enhancing shipping safety and climate monitoring. By analyzing historical drift patterns and ocean data, these systems improve tracking capabilities, enabling operators to anticipate hazards and plan safer routes, addressing limitations of traditional methods reliant on satellite imagery and manual analysis.
The Fast Patrol Vessel Amulya, measuring 51 meters and displacing 320 tonnes, is powered by dual 3,000 KW diesel engines, achieving speeds of 28 knots. Its advanced propulsion system, featuring indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers, enhances maneuverability, enabling it to perform vital maritime missions, including surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.
VST Tillers Tractors Ltd. has launched its marine propulsion segment, introducing Next-Generation compact Marine Engines at the India Boat and Marine Show. Ranging from 18hp to 28hp, these engines prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability, designed for fishing and coastal sectors, featuring advanced Japanese technology for superior performance.
New Zealand has set a precedent by allocating port fees for seafarer welfare services during visits. Advocate Paul MacGillivary urges Australia to adopt this model to meet Maritime Labour Convention standards. With over 500,000 seafarers docking annually, enhanced funding for welfare services is crucial to support their mental health and well-being.
The Union Government has made strides in developing a domestic container ecosystem by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). This initiative, endorsed by Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to improve coordination among shipping, ports, and rail logistics, addressing exporters’ challenges.
The Switch has unveiled a new Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) to enhance DC system stability in marine applications. This device allows direct battery connections, addressing fault challenges in large battery systems. By limiting fault currents and preserving DC-link voltage, the ECL ensures operational continuity and boosts vessel efficiency during abnormal conditions.
The Indian government’s Sagarmala Programme, aimed at transforming the coastline into an economic hub, faces major setbacks with a 29% funding cut in the 2026-27 Union Budget, dropping from Rs 866 crore to Rs 616.88 crore. This decline threatens project timelines and coastal infrastructure development amid shifting funding priorities.
The Panama Canal celebrated a historic milestone with the inaugural transit of the Disney Adventure, the largest cruise ship to navigate its waters. Weighing 208,000 gross tons and accommodating 6,700 passengers, this transit marks a significant achievement in maritime history, showcasing advancements in cruise ship design and canal capacity.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction has drafted a workplan to develop safety regulations for vessels using innovative technologies and alternative fuels. This initiative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will be presented to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in May 2026. Key milestones include updates to existing standards and the introduction of new guidelines.
