Kolkata recently hosted a significant Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare, organized by the Directorate General of Shipping. Key stakeholders, including RPSL holders and industry officials, discussed enhancing India’s maritime manpower ecosystem. Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde addressed challenges in recruitment, emphasizing transparency and ethical practices to protect seafarer rights.
During the Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare Symposium in Kolkata, Minister Shantanu Thakur inaugurated vital maritime projects, including the Seafarers’ Outreach Centre and MMD Office. He emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing maritime support systems and fostering a technology-driven, welfare-focused maritime administration, aiming to enhance India’s global competitiveness.
During India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Kolkata Port showcased Bengal’s artistic heritage through a vibrant pavilion. The event featured live demonstrations of Shola craftwork and Chhou mask-making, captivating visitors with the region’s cultural diversity. Chairman Rathendra Raman highlighted the pavilion’s success in engaging global delegates and promoting maritime initiatives.
The Indian Maritime University (IMU) in Kolkata inaugurated the Dr. Ravi K. Mehrotra Excellence Center in Sea Traffic on July 18, 2025. This center, backed by significant investment and industry partnerships, aims to enhance maritime research and collaborations, with a focus on innovative technologies and advanced training in the maritime sector.
The National Technology Center for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras is designing the Patna Dry Dock, crucial for vessel maintenance between Kolkata and Varanasi. Expected by March 2026, this facility will significantly cut transport costs and boost regional employment, enhancing trade and tourism along the Ganga region.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is poised to launch a greenfield shipbuilding facility near Kolkata to meet the growing demand in defense and commercial sectors. With an enhanced capacity to construct 24 ships simultaneously, GRSE plans to boost production to 28 ships by 2025, strengthening its position in the maritime industry.
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority plans to develop a major barge terminal on Balagarh Island to alleviate traffic congestion in Kolkata. Projected to handle 2.7 million tonnes of cargo annually, this initiative aims to enhance logistical operations and improve connectivity for northern regions, benefiting local economies.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has launched a new gateway in Kolkata and Haldia, improving export/import cargo routing efficiency. Utilizing Balmer Lawrie CFS and rail services to connect with mainline vessels at Nhava Sheva Port, it offers direct access to global destinations. Fixed day train departures, eliminate waiting times at transshipment points, improving transit times and consistency.
In a daring sea-to-air rescue, the Indian Coast Guard saved 11 crew members from a sinking cargo vessel in the Bay of Bengal. Despite rough seas, the crew was rescued with the help of Coast Guard vessels and aircraft. Three crew members are still missing, prompting an ongoing search mission in the area.
