The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has unveiled its inaugural Sustainability Report 2026, marking a milestone as India’s first major port to do so. The report emphasizes advancements in clean energy, a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2026, and positions VOCPA as a leader in green hydrogen initiatives.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s first made-in-India shipping container, marking a milestone for the maritime industry. Unveiled by A.P. Moller – Maersk at the Inland Container Depot in Dadri, the project reflects India’s self-reliance model, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and showcases the country’s commitment to quality and global standards.
The Port of Naples achieved a milestone with its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering for the cruise vessel Sun Princess on May 24, 2026. This operation, in collaboration with key authorities, marks Italy’s advancement towards alternative marine fuels, promoting cleaner shipping practices and enhancing port fuel infrastructure.
Mumbai’s SHM Global has been acknowledged for its pioneering indigenous lifeboat development, aligning with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. At the Indian Register of Shipping ceremony, MD Praveen K. Mishra praised the KISS 700 and PN95FA lifeboats, emphasizing SHM’s role in enhancing India’s maritime self-reliance and safety standards.
Artemis Technologies has launched the Artemis EF-12 Pilot, the world’s first fully electric hydrofoil pilot boat, designed for zero-emission pilot transfers. Currently in sea trials, this 12-meter vessel features advanced eFoiler technology, achieving speeds up to 32 knots and a foiling range of 45 nautical miles, enhancing global port operations.
India’s first indigenous LNG tanker, the Disha, has successfully docked at the Dahej terminal in Gujarat after navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This landmark achievement enhances India’s energy logistics capabilities, supporting the nation’s efforts to secure energy supplies and reduce reliance on foreign vessels while strengthening local maritime operations.
The Indian Coast Guard has launched its first indigenous hovercraft from Chowgule Shipyard, Goa, enhancing domestic shipbuilding and coastal defense. This high-speed craft is designed for rapid deployment in challenging terrain, supporting missions like surveillance and search and rescue, and aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative for self-reliance.
Lloyd’s Register has awarded the first Type Approval Certificate for a fully hydrogen-fueled marine engine developed by BeHydro, confirming its adherence to safety and performance standards. This innovative engine, tested at ABC Engines in Ghent, operates solely on hydrogen, eliminating carbon emissions and offering a zero-carbon propulsion solution.
India has launched its first Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal to strengthen the domestic wind energy sector. This platform enhances manufacturing, promotes exports, and enables efficient tracking of components from production to project sites. It aims to improve coordination among stakeholders and elevate India’s position as a key player in global wind energy.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority has achieved a milestone by successfully berthing the MV Graceous, a 292-meter Cape-sized bulk carrier, at its EQ-1 berth. Carrying 100,198 metric tonnes of coal, this marks the first accommodation of such a large vessel, highlighting the port’s enhanced operational capabilities and capacity for bulk cargo handling.
DNV has confirmed that Carbon Ridge’s centrifugal onboard carbon capture system (OCCS) can achieve CO2 capture rates of up to 98%. Tested on the LR2 product tanker STI Spiga, this innovative technology marks a significant advancement in maritime carbon capture, with a compact design that reduces space requirements by 75%.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata has achieved a landmark milestone with India’s first midstream container handling operation at Diamond Harbour. This innovative process enables the efficient transfer of export cargo from the Bengal-Bihar-Jharkhand region to global markets, improving logistics and enhancing the port’s competitiveness for large container vessels.
NiMiC Ship Management Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based subsidiary of the NYK Group, has appointed Louise Lin as the captain of the Taitar No. 4, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to lead an LNG carrier within the NYK Group. Lin’s journey reflects significant progress for women in maritime.
Meyer Werft has introduced “Vision,” the world’s first fully battery-electric cruise ship, measuring 275 meters and accommodating 1,856 passengers. Unveiled at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, it boasts a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. With potential delivery by 2031, it represents a significant step towards sustainable maritime travel.
Belgian shipowner Exmar has launched the world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, ANTWERPEN and ARLON. Built in South Korea, these vessels can carry approximately 46,000 cubic meters of cargo. Their innovative propulsion systems reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, marking a significant advancement in low-emission shipping.
