The International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation met with Gulf State representatives to address the severe impact of ongoing conflict on seafarers. With 20,000 stranded and facing dire conditions, discussions focused on urgent initiatives, including a reporting mechanism for resupply concerns and prioritizing seafarers as essential workers.
India’s freight forwarding industry is alarmed by soaring War Risk Surcharges (WRS) imposed by international shipping lines on Gulf-bound cargo. The Federation of Freight Forwarders’ Associations in India (FFFAI) has urged intervention from the Ministry of Ports, highlighting potential profiteering as exporters face increased financial strain and significant disruptions.
InterManager has raised serious concerns about the worsening security situation affecting commercial shipping in the Middle East Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Following recent attacks on merchant vessels, the organization urges ship managers and operators to exercise extreme caution and reassess the necessity of transiting this critical waterway.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha from the Shipping Ministry announced the safe return of 30 seafarers from Gulf airports, raising total repatriations to 253. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to supporting its maritime workforce during challenging times, while ensuring uninterrupted operations at major ports through prioritized berthing of LPG carriers from global locations.
The maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman is at a “CRITICAL” threat level, with over 20 reported attacks on commercial vessels since February 28. These strikes target various vessel types and locations, disrupting critical shipping operations and raising significant safety concerns for mariners.
India is strengthening safety protocols for its seafarers and merchant vessels in the Gulf due to escalating regional tensions. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is working closely with shipping companies to monitor critical areas like the Persian Gulf, mandating risk assessments and enhancing onboard security measures for vessels.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated tensions in the region, impacting international shipping. A recent attack by Houthi rebels on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht highlights the growing threat posed by these Iranian-backed forces, raising concerns about maritime safety and potential disruptions in global trade routes.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on UAE maritime authorities to assist 19 stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf. These crew members, primarily from India, face dire conditions aboard an oil tanker due to fake contracts and lack of insurance, having been trapped for 15 months beyond the Maritime Labour Convention’s limits.
The Telangana Overseas Manpower Company Limited (TOMCOM) is inviting applications from Indian male professionals in Gulf countries for marine sector roles in Qatar, including ship chandler and senior marine technician. Salaries range from Rs 1.06 to 1.23 lakh per month, with additional performance-based incentives. Interested candidates can apply via email.
Oman is set to establish the Middle East’s first LNG bunkering facility at the Port of Sohar, following the groundbreaking of the $1.6 billion Marsa LNG plant. This project, a collaboration between TotalEnergies and OQEP, aims to position Oman as a key LNG hub, with operations expected to begin in early 2028.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized two foreign tankers in the Persian Gulf for smuggling over 3 million liters of diesel fuel. The vessels, with 25 crew members, were caught in organized fuel smuggling. The nationality of the tankers and status of the detained crew members were not disclosed.
The UKMTO reported an incident 82 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Aden, where Houthi militia, aligned with Iran, have been attacking ships in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Authorities are investigating the incident, as the militants continue launching drone and missile strikes in the region, impacting shipping routes and raising fears of further conflict.
