Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) announced a significant contract with Heritage River Journeys, operating as Antara River Cruises, to build two luxury river cruise vessels for the Brahmaputra River. Valued between ₹100 crore and ₹250 crore, this initiative aims to boost premium inland waterway tourism in India.
The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict jeopardizes India’s $41.7 billion trade with West Asian nations. Experts warn that heightened tensions, especially after recent U.S. military actions, threaten shipping routes and financial systems, inflating costs and disrupting supply chains. India’s energy security could be further compromised if the Strait of Hormuz is affected.
India aims to become one of the top ten shipbuilding nations by 2030, targeting a compounded annual growth rate of 17-18%. To reduce dependency on foreign vessels, the government is introducing financial and legislative support for local shipyards, buoyed by a ₹25,000 crore allocation for maritime development in the January 2025 budget.
Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, India’s government has advised maritime companies to explore alternative shipping routes to safeguard trade through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Concerns over potential military actions disrupting crucial lanes were raised during a meeting led by Commerce Minister Sunil Barthwal, prompting urgent strategic planning.
The Vadhvan Port Project Ltd, poised to become India’s largest port, plans to raise up to ₹300 billion in debt, offering a substantial investment opportunity. Managed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, it aims for operational status by the decade’s end, significantly enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure and global trade capabilities.
Softlink Global has partnered with Mumbai Rozgaar to create India’s first comprehensive talent pipeline for the logistics sector. This initiative aims to train job-ready professionals for operations roles, addressing the significant talent gap. Key offerings include certified internships, specialized training, and guaranteed interviews at over 800 client locations.
CMA CGM, the French shipping giant, is engaging with Indian shipyards to build LNG-powered container ships, enhancing its presence in India’s maritime sector. The company is also investing $200 million in the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal and exploring the Vadhavan Port project, while fostering innovation through maritime research hubs across India.
On June 15, India’s maritime rescue unit was alerted to a DGPS signal loss from a vessel in the Gulf Sea near Qatar. This raised concerns amid ongoing salvage missions for the fire-damaged Wan Hai 503 and the sunken MSC Elsa 3, both complicated by adverse weather and environmental risks.
At Nor-Shipping 2025, DNV reinforced its partnership with India, focusing on collaboration in the maritime sector. CEO Remi Eriksen engaged in discussions with Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, leading to a newbuilding agreement with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and a comprehensive MoU with Larsen & Toubro, enhancing green shipping initiatives in India.
Kochi’s port is set to emerge as a pivotal base for offshore oil exploration after a formal agreement between Oil India and the Cochin Port Authority. The partnership aims to develop essential infrastructure, including a logistics center and specialized facilities, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in India’s energy sector.
A GTRI analysis recommends that India diversify its crude oil sources and bolster strategic reserves amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The report stresses the importance of military readiness in Maritime Arabia, underscores the significance of diplomatic efforts, and highlights potential disruptions in crucial trade routes that could impact India’s economy.
The Directorate General of Shipping has alerted Indian seafarers and vessels about the rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Following an advisory from the Ministry of External Affairs, operators are advised to exercise caution while in Iranian ports or transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, prioritizing crew safety and adhering to local protocols.
India is enhancing its maritime goals through key international partnerships, as seen in recent talks with the largest shipping firm in Sweden. Officials focused on promoting sustainable practices, aiming to position India as a vital logistical hub. This aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030, emphasizing eco-friendly infrastructure and global trade integration.
On May 25, the MSC ELSA 3 capsized off Kerala’s coast, highlighting India’s reliance on Flags of Convenience (FoC) vessels. With over 97% of trade depending on these ships, the incident reveals significant vulnerabilities due to lax oversight, complicating accountability as India aims for a stronger maritime presence amid rising geopolitical risks.
Following the sinking of the MSC Elsa-3 off Kerala’s coast, the shipping industry is advocating for stronger Port State Control (PSC) measures. Experts emphasize the need to increase PSC officers, fill vacancies, and modernize inspection processes to enhance regulatory compliance and ensure maritime safety in Indian waters.
