Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on September 20 to assess the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. He will review completed works and discuss ongoing projects, highlighting the site’s historical significance as a major trading center of the Indus Valley Civilization and its potential to boost local economy and tourism.
The Ministry of Transportation in Qatar has initiated a new inspection campaign for maritime vessels, collaborating with the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security. This effort focuses on ensuring compliance with safety regulations, checking the availability and functionality of safety equipment, and assessing helmsmen’s adherence to safety instructions.
A recent analysis revealed that over 30% of ballast water treatment systems fail Port State inspections despite passing initial tests. Issues with maintenance, record-keeping, and crew training were highlighted, with new requirements coming in 2025. Many systems are failing to remove invasive species, leading to detentions and delays for non-compliant vessels.
The EUNAVFOR has expressed concerns about the Turkish shipping company, Arkas Line, for refusing vessel inspections by the EU operation. The Turkish-registered containership, Matilde A, declined inspection on September 8, sparking a standoff. Turkey, not an EU member, criticized the operation as intrusive. Despite efforts, Arkas Line has a history of denying inspection requests.
The maritime industry is taking steps to prioritize the welfare of crew members and enforce basic rights outlined in the Maritime Labor Convention. The Paris and Tokyo Port State Control organizations are launching a three-month inspection campaign to ensure compliance with international agreements and address any deficiencies found. The well-being of seafarers is a top priority.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the ship Darya Shaan due to known maintenance issues. AMSA alleges that the operator, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India), failed to report defects, leading to a 180-day ban. The vessel was found to have multiple maintenance issues, prompting AMSA to take strict enforcement actions.
The European Council and Parliament have reached provisional agreements to strengthen maritime safety by enhancing Flag State and Port State inspections. The goal is to protect the marine environment, maintain high-quality shipping, and align EU regulations with international rules. The legislation also introduces a voluntary inspection regime for larger fishing vessels.
