A delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) visited the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in Mumbai to enhance maritime cooperation. Discussions focused on India’s examination processes and training programs, aiming to explore opportunities for employing Indian seafarers in Japan’s shipping industry, reinforcing collaboration in maritime education.
Women from across the Caribbean gathered in Paramaribo, Suriname, from November 3 to 5 for a workshop organized by the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC). With 34 participants from 12 countries, the event focused on strategic tools for financial sustainability, leadership development, and fostering gender-responsive funding models in the maritime sector.
Ten organizations, including MTI Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, launched the “Development of Integrated Simulation Platform for Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Industry” on October 1, 2025. This initiative aims to create next-generation vessels using advanced digital solutions, enhancing navigation safety and aligning with Japan’s maritime technology innovation goals.
The European Commission has launched a €2.9 billion initiative to enhance investments in green fuels by 2027, targeting aviation and maritime sectors, which account for 26.4% of the EU’s transport emissions. By 2035, 20 million tonnes of sustainable fuels will be needed, necessitating €100 billion in investments to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
MarTrust, a prominent crew payments provider serving over 150,000 seafarers, has announced a partnership with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and…
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will launch a digital platform in 2026 to modernize cadet training and assessment, moving away from paper methods. This platform will use technology to simulate real-life scenarios, enhancing skills in digital navigation, cybersecurity, and data management, while streamlining progress tracking through a cloud-based app.
A global alliance is driving the decarbonization and digitization of the shipping industry. Lloyd’s Register, COSCO Shipping Group, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Southampton have launched the International Innovation Center for Future Maritime Technologies. This center will develop intelligent ships and emission-free navigation systems through collaborative research.
Finland’s Bluetech has partnered with INSW to develop the ‘SeaWasp’ tanker, focusing on wind propulsion while integrating with INSW’s MR fleet. Enhanced by Norsepower’s Rotor Sails, the design achieves substantial fuel savings, with projected annual reductions of 597.2 metric tons, improving efficiency by 13.5% under optimal conditions.
Seafarers face significant challenges in accessing shore leave, with a 61% decline in time spent at welfare centers since the pandemic began. A study revealed that nearly 70% of crew members now have less than two hours ashore, highlighting barriers like short port stays and company restrictions affecting their well-being.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced a proposed bilateral free trade agreement between India and New Zealand, aimed at enhancing trade and investment. Speaking alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, he highlighted mutual benefits, emphasizing collaboration in sectors like maritime, aerospace, and defense, as well as education and tourism.
On Kartik Purnima, Odisha comes alive with vibrant festivities as devotees partake in the Boita Bandana ritual. Early morning sees crowds at rivers and ponds, launching banana bark boats adorned with lamps and incense. This celebration honors ancient maritime traditions, symbolizing community unity and the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
Pole Star Global has launched an innovative maritime intelligence ecosystem featuring three products: Meridia, Meridia IQ, and Insights Data Products. This suite integrates analytics, generative AI, and real-time data to enhance safety and operational efficiency for shipping companies, governments, and financial institutions, transforming maritime decision-making processes.
Mumbai is gearing up to be a major shipbuilding hub, with plans for “Made-in-Mumbai” passenger vessels and cruise ships. The state secured investments worth ₹55,719 crore to enhance shipbuilding and port infrastructure during the India Global Maritime Summit 2025. Initiatives aim to boost India’s maritime leadership and sustainability.
Maritime safety is transforming through digital innovation, with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) evolving into intelligent co-pilots. Thales’s WaveLINK, unveiled at Europort 2025, integrates essential safety features into a user-friendly interface, enhancing operational efficiency and redefining GMDSS terminals’ role in modern maritime operations.
In October 2025, 30 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels were recorded, with 26 being LNG-fueled container ships. Overall, 222 orders for such vessels emerged in the first ten months, marking a 52% increase from 2024. The container segment dominated, accounting for 65% of these new orders.
