The shipping industry is evolving with autonomous systems and AI, raising concerns about seafarers’ safety and well-being. The STEER project, by The Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aims to assess these technologies’ real-world impacts, focusing on seafarers’ operational efficiency and mental health, ensuring their welfare amidst innovation.
Environmentalists had anticipated the first global tax on shipping emissions this year, but President Trump’s opposition led to its postponement. At a UN meeting, nations voted 57-49 to delay the decision by a year. U.S. officials’ strategic outreach emphasized national security risks and potential economic harm, rallying support against the tax.
A rising trend among seafarers involves exaggerating work experience to secure tanker jobs, warns Danica, an international crewing service provider. They stress the need for collaboration among authorities and agencies to combat this issue, urging shipowners to partner with reputable crewing firms to ensure safety and competence aboard tankers.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is poised to launch three advanced vessels, showcasing its expertise in naval defence and sustainability. Notable among them is the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft for the Indian Navy, alongside a Hybrid Electric Methanol-Ready Commissioning Service Operation Vessel and the DCI Dredge Godavari, India’s largest dredger.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has unveiled a groundbreaking roadmap for integrating nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping, titled Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime. Developed with Global Nuclear Security Partners and NorthStandard, it offers structured guidance for shipowners and regulators, addressing safety, design, insurance, and crew training amidst a push for zero-carbon solutions.
The Peninsula Maritime Simulation Suite, funded by Peninsula, enhances cadet education and professional development at the University of Gibraltar. This state-of-the-art facility meets UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency training requirements, solidifying Gibraltar’s status as a global maritime hub while supporting the BSc (Hons) Maritime Science and Cadetship program.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority is advancing the Vadhvan Port development in Maharashtra after receiving Cabinet approval. Despite local opposition leading to legal challenges, the Supreme Court has allowed the project to proceed. Chairperson Unmesh Sharad Wagh emphasized the port’s potential to enhance India’s global trade connections and regional development.
India’s maritime sector has transformed significantly over 11 years, with an expected Rs 80 lakh crore investment over the next 22 years. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this during the Golden Jubilee of the New Mangalore Port, emphasizing the importance of maritime capabilities for a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047.
A collaboration between GTT, Bloom Energy, and Ponant Explorations Group aims to develop the first net-zero cruise ship, integrating fuel cells with marine carbon capture technology. The project seeks to create an energy-efficient vessel that meets onboard consumption needs while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with plans for operation by 2030.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has marked a pivotal moment in India’s maritime industry by securing its first international order for container vessels, valued between $225 million and $300 million. This milestone, which involves constructing six LNG-powered feeder ships for CMA CGM, positions India as a rising contender in global shipbuilding.
Swedish prosecutors have determined that damage to an undersea communication cable between Sweden and Latvia was accidental, concluding their investigation initiated after the cable was discovered damaged on January 26, 2025. Severe weather, technical failures, and vessel handling negligence contributed to the incident, which involved the Maltese-flagged vessel, Vezhen.
India is set to establish a federal Transport Planning Authority to enhance infrastructure development in aviation, highways, shipping, railways, and urban transport. This initiative aims to address inefficiencies from fragmented planning, ensuring projects are financially viable and aligned. Approval is expected within three to six months, paving the way for coordinated investments.
The Indian government has opened the PM GatiShakti portal to the private sector, allowing companies and researchers to access geospatial data for logistics and infrastructure improvement. Announced by Minister Piyush Goyal, this initiative includes 230 verified datasets, fostering innovation and enhancing operational efficiency across various sectors, including healthcare and agriculture.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched PM GatiShakti–Offshore, empowering efficient planning of offshore projects like wind farms. This digital platform integrates vital datasets from various ministries, enhancing data-driven decision-making, efficiency, and sustainability in coastal development while supporting India’s Blue Economy and green energy transition.
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has introduced the HydroPen Reefer to tackle the rising fire hazards associated with refrigerated containers carrying combustible cargoes like lithium batteries. This innovative tool enhances traditional firefighting methods, allowing crews to extinguish flames directly at their source, even through thick container walls, ensuring rapid and effective responses.
