The 2026 Union Budget aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, enhancing India’s inland waterways for sustainability and reduced logistics costs. The operationalization of 20 new National Waterways, especially NW-5 in Odisha, aims to connect resource-rich areas to ports, promoting maritime freight from 6% to 12% by 2047.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significance of skill development for India’s maritime sector at a Mumbai event. He awarded certificates to students completing courses and announced a partnership between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd and the Maharashtra government to offer free training, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a future-ready India.
The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) is optimistic about the Union Budget’s provisions set to bolster the state’s maritime sector. With initiatives in coastal shipping and shipbuilding, Gujarat aims for rapid growth. The new Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme seeks to elevate coastal freight movement, positioning the state as a premier maritime hub.
Abu Dhabi Ports Group, through SAFEEN Drydocks, has acquired Balenciaga Astilleros Shipyard in Spain for $13.1 million. This strategic move enhances its presence in the Mediterranean and strengthens capabilities in the offshore wind sector. The shipyard, now Balenciaga Shipyard, is renowned for constructing Service Operation Vessels for offshore projects.
In Q3 2025, Saudi Arabia’s tourism workforce surpassed 1 million, reflecting a 6.4% increase from 2024. This growth aligns with Vision 2030’s goal to boost tourism’s GDP contribution to 10%. Non-Saudi workers made up 75.7% of the workforce, while hotel occupancy rose to 49.1%, indicating a thriving sector.
As offshore wind energy expands, balancing infrastructure with biodiversity is vital. The UK’s first nearshore artificial nesting structures aim to protect the endangered black-legged kittiwake while enabling the Hornsea 3 wind farm’s development. This initiative highlights the potential for renewable energy projects to coexist with ecological preservation through innovative engineering solutions.
Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke commended Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola for his impactful leadership in Nigeria’s maritime sector. In his 2026 New Year message, Oke praised Oyetola’s initiatives that enhanced maritime infrastructure and expanded the blue economy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development for Nigeria’s economic diversification and competitiveness.
In 2025, the subsea vessel market transitioned to a cautious outlook despite strong long-term demand driven by deepwater projects. High dayrates for AHC crane vessels persisted, but a shift towards contractor-controlled fleets and short-term charters introduced volatility. Newbuild orders surged, indicating potential growth as the market stabilizes by 2026.
India’s maritime infrastructure has transformed significantly over the years, evolving from limited capacity to a national priority. With 12 major and over 200 non-major ports, the focus has shifted to enhancing trade and logistics. Additionally, ports now play a crucial role in national security, supporting both civilian and defense operations.
In the third quarter of 2025, Danish ports set new records with 137,000 TEU containers arriving and 122,000 TEU shipped out. APM Terminals’ Aarhus facility led this surge, bolstered by expanded shipping routes from Maersk and MSC, enhancing Denmark’s position as a crucial hub for Nordic container freight.
Kongsberg Maritime is celebrating 50 years of its pioneering dynamic positioning (DP) system, a revolutionary Norwegian innovation. Launched in the 1970s, it transformed offshore operations by allowing vessels to maintain position without anchors. Today, with over 4,000 systems in use, Kongsberg continues to lead in enhancing maritime safety and efficiency.
On October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a strategic vision for India’s maritime future at the Maritime Leaders Conclave in Mumbai. Addressing over 85 nations, he announced significant investments and legislative reforms, including a Rs 70,000 crore initiative for shipbuilding, emphasizing India’s growing global maritime confidence and infrastructure advancements.
Madhu Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard, announced an order book of approximately ₹20,000 crore, with significant contributions from the merchant vessel sector. He highlighted recent infrastructure investments, including a new dry dock. Looking ahead, Cochin Shipyard aims to strengthen its presence along India’s coasts through strategic partnerships.
India’s maritime sector has seen remarkable growth in the last decade, particularly in ports, coastal shipping, and inland waterways. This aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, enhancing infrastructure and economic development. The surge in cargo capacities and efficient transport highlights India’s strategic focus on maritime trade, boosting global competitiveness.
Goa is urged to establish a maritime board to drive its shipbuilding industry, promote sustainable technologies, and strengthen public-private partnerships. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report forecasts significant growth, projecting the sector’s value to rise from ₹22,865 crore in FY24 to ₹64,058 crore by FY37.
