Weekly News Roundup: Seafarers Welfare and India’s Shipping Boost

This week’s (27 Jan – 02 Feb 2025) seafarers news highlights significant challenges and advancements impacting those at sea. The decline in the Seafarers Happiness Index underscores pressing issues like isolation and excessive workloads, while the alarming rise in abandonment cases, particularly among Indian seafarers, raises urgent concerns. On the positive side, initiatives to empower seafarers and enhance their welfare are emerging, reflecting ongoing efforts to support this vital workforce.

Indian Maritime Sector

India Launches Rs 25,000 Crore Maritime Development Fund to Boost Shipping Industry

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Maritime Development Fund of Rs 25,000 crore during the 2025-26 Budget, aimed at boosting the maritime industry and fostering competition. The fund expects to attract Rs 1.5 lakh crore in investments by 2030. Additional measures include extending customs duty exemptions for ship manufacturing and revamping financial assistance policies.
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Vizhinjam Port Achieves Milestone with 300,000 TEUs Handled in Six Months

Kerala Ports Minister V N Vasavan recently announced that the Vizhinjam transshipment port has handled three lakh TEUs of cargo in a successful six-month trial period. With a cost of Rs 8,867 crore, the port has welcomed 150 ships and managed 85,000 TEUs in January alone, solidifying its position as a key trade gateway for India.
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Empowering Women and Wellness Initiatives for Seafarers Launched in India

In a move to empower seafarers and promote inclusivity, Minister Shantanu Thakur launched two initiatives at SCI in Mumbai. “Sagar Mein Yog” focuses on wellness, while “Sagar Mein Samman” empowers female seafarers. These initiatives align with Maritime India Vision 2030, aiming to enhance seafarers’ physical and mental resilience for a stronger global presence.
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Indian Coast Guard Celebrates 49th Raising Day: A Legacy of Maritime Safety and Security

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is gearing up to celebrate its 49th Raising Day on 01 Feb 2025, showcasing nearly five decades of unwavering service to the nation. With a growing fleet of ships and aircraft, the ICG aims to further strengthen its capabilities to protect India’s maritime interests and ensure safety at sea.
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Sustainable Ship Recycling Commitment in India to Protect Environment

The increasing environmental awareness surrounding ship recycling is expected to drive more ships to India’s recycling yards. Bansal Group India’s professionalism and commitment to safety have made them a notable player in the industry. Their adherence to national and international standards ensures environmentally friendly and sustainable ship recycling practices, setting a standard for the industry.
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Maritime Markets

Hydrogen Derivatives Project Launched for Sustainable Baltic Sea Ports

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting has won a contract to oversee the H2-Derivatives@BalticSeaPorts initiative, promoting hydrogen-based fuels in Baltic Sea ports. With 15 partners from seven countries, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of green energy in maritime transport. This collaborative effort is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions and shaping a sustainable future for the industry.
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Philippines introduces Maritime Safety Plan 2025 to Enhance Domestic Shipping Safety Standards

Marina has introduced the Maritime Safety Plan (MSP) 2025 to enhance safety standards in domestic shipping operations, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s regulations. The plan aims to promote a strong safety culture, improve governance, and implement advanced navigation systems. Stakeholders gathered to develop actionable strategies for safety enhancement, reflecting a commitment to proactive safety management.
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Maritime Innovations

MAN Achieves Milestone with Successful Testing of Ammonia Engine

MAN Energy Solutions achieved a significant milestone with its ME-LGIA engine running on Liquid Gas Injection Ammonia at 100% load during testing. The cautious approach since November 2024 paid off, marking a crucial step in maritime energy transition. Positive emission and performance characteristics were confirmed, with focus now on optimizing performance and emissions for future development.
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Advanced Uncrewed Surface Vessels Deployed for Sustainable Maritime Operations

DEME Group has expanded its fleet with two cutting-edge uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) from Norway’s Maritime Robotics. The Otter USV is designed for data collection in coastal areas, while the Mariner USV offers larger payload capacity. Both feature energy-efficient, low-emission designs. The partnership highlights trust in Maritime Robotics’ innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability.
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Maritime Technologies

Germany’s First All-Electric Catamaran Ferry E-Kat Delivered

Damen Shipyards has delivered Germany’s first all-electric catamaran ferry, E-Kat, to AG Reederei Norden-Frisia. The 32-meter vessel will operate between Norddeich and Norderney, designed for quick passenger embarkation and disembarkation. With twin hulls and aluminum construction, the E-Kat runs on two 600kW electric motors, promising a CO2 neutral operation.
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Environment Protection

Sailors Urged to Report Marine Life Collisions in Essential Survey

The Marine Mammal Advisory Group is calling on sailors worldwide to participate in a survey documenting collisions between sailing vessels and marine life. These incidents are common in the sailing sector, often involving encounters with whales. By engaging sailors in this survey, the organization aims to identify collision hotspots and gather crucial data to protect marine life.
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Seafarers Work and Welfare

Decline in Seafarers Happiness Index Due to Isolation and Workload Challenges

The latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) survey reveals a decline in seafarers’ happiness due to restrictive port policies. Connectivity issues, stagnant wages, training frustrations, workload, and lack of social interaction onboard were cited as major concerns. Addressing these issues could improve morale, teamwork, and overall well-being for seafarers at sea.
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Indian Seafarers Face Record Abandonment Crisis in 2024

Indian seafarers continue to be the most abandoned in the world, with 899 cases reported in 2024 out of a total of 3,133. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, with an 87% rise compared to 2023. ITF highlighted that the year 2024 has become the worst on record for seafarer abandonment.
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Seafarer Abandonment Surges 87% in 2024: ITF Calls for Urgent Action

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently reported a staggering 87% increase in seafarer abandonment cases by ship-owners in 2024 compared to the previous year. With 3,133 seafarers left stranded and 312 ships deserted, the maritime industry faces a troubling trend of exploitation and neglect. Governments must act to protect these essential workers.
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Maritime Innovations

World’s Fastest Crew Transfer Vessel with 53 Knots Speed Introduced

Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine has introduced a series of three new crew transfer vessels that are the fastest in the world, reaching speeds over 53 knots. These vessels, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, feature air-cushion technology in a catamaran hull design, offering improved efficiency and speed for offshore passenger transfer.
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Maritime Safety

Unsinkable Drone and Climbing Robot Featured in Singapore Maritime Police Demonstration

The Singapore Police Coast Guard’s elite Special Task Squadron (STS) showcased their capabilities in a simulated rescue mission against armed pirates. Equipped with advanced technology like the Diodon drone and Spyder hull-climbing robot, the STS successfully rescued a hostage. Superintendent Lee emphasized the importance of innovation in ensuring the safety and success of missions.
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Conclusion

In conclusion, the maritime industry faces complex challenges surrounding seafarers’ welfare, with rising abandonment rates and declining happiness levels demanding immediate attention. However, initiatives aimed at improving seafarers’ conditions and promoting inclusivity demonstrate a positive shift. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a resilient and thriving maritime community.