The Kerala government has disbanded the Kerala Maritime Board due to administrative failures and financial discrepancies. Effective immediately, this decision follows the Board’s failure to submit required Annual Administration Reports and issues highlighted in a recent audit, including revenue arrears and improper budget utilization. The intervention underscores accountability concerns.
The Centre updated on the Persian Gulf maritime situation, confirming the safe repatriation of over 3,639 Indian seafarers. Director Opesh Kumar Sharma highlighted ongoing safety measures for vessels and crews. In the past 72 hours, 47 seafarers returned home, and operations in Indian ports remain stable, with no congestion reported.
Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) supports the UK government’s initiatives to enhance seafarers’ legal protections, including a national minimum wage and regulations for rest periods. This legislation aims to improve conditions on routes between the UK, France, and the Channel Islands, emphasizing health and well-being as fundamental human rights.
The Central government confirmed on Thursday that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf and West Asia are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the last 72 hours. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively monitoring the situation to ensure the welfare of seafarers and maritime operations.
On June 5, 2026, the government unveiled proposals to enhance protections for seafarers, ensuring fair wages, adequate rest periods, and stronger legal rights. This initiative follows the introduction of a national minimum wage for seafarers, marking a significant improvement in maritime working conditions and reflecting a commitment to seafarer welfare.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro affirmed the Philippine government’s dedication to respecting Algeria’s legal processes while supporting detained Filipino nationals. The government is actively pursuing legal avenues to protect the rights of three seafarers facing charges, emphasizing assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are reported safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Ports. Currently, 17 Indian-flagged ships with 460 seafarers are present. The DG Shipping is monitoring the situation closely to ensure crew safety and operational continuity.
Amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, the Indian government has confirmed the safety of all Indian seafarers, with no incidents reported recently. Eighteen vessels, crewed by 485 seafarers, are operating normally. Notably, two LPG carriers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the flow of essential goods continues.
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.
A consortium led by ACUA Ocean has received government support for a 145-foot uncrewed offshore vessel, enhancing autonomous operations in energy and logistics. With hybrid-electric propulsion, it plans to explore sustainable fuels like methanol and hydrogen. The project aims for efficient offshore solutions, bolstering inspection and logistics capabilities.
The Indian government’s new strategy to transform the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) into a strategic state carrier marks a departure from previous privatization efforts. With plans to enhance fleet capacity and partnerships through a Maritime Development Fund, the initiative aims to address declining profits and bolster India’s maritime needs.
Ten Filipino seafarers, recently attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden, will receive support from the Department of Migrant Workers upon their arrival in Manila. DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac announced assistance in securing new employment, along with medical services and psychological counseling to aid their recovery.
The Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) at Heriot-Watt University is collaborating on a £1 million project, “MaritimeTwin,” to develop a digital twin solution for reducing shipping emissions. By integrating real-time satellite data, this technology aims to optimize navigation, enhance fuel efficiency, and support cleaner global shipping practices.
The Goa government plans to establish a maritime board to enhance collaboration between industry and government, streamlining maritime policies. Minister Subhash Phal Desai emphasized its role in promoting maritime tourism, developing coastal infrastructure, and supporting local communities, while prioritizing sustainable practices and green shipbuilding in the face of global environmental challenges.
Brodosplit Shipyard is facing local backlash over plans to restore the asbestos-containing cruise ship, Moby Drea. Community concerns prompted a government order for its removal, reflecting heightened sensitivities to asbestos due to past health issues. Despite assurances of safety, the ship must leave Croatian waters by early September.
