Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced a proposed bilateral free trade agreement between India and New Zealand, aimed at enhancing trade and investment. Speaking alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, he highlighted mutual benefits, emphasizing collaboration in sectors like maritime, aerospace, and defense, as well as education and tourism.
An increasing number of maritime suppliers are identified with significant cyber vulnerabilities, prompting shipowners to enhance supply-chain due diligence. Recent research reveals that over 28% of evaluated suppliers face high cyber risks. This trend underscores the growing importance of integrating verified ESG and cyber indicators into procurement strategies to mitigate risks.
Maritime NZ, in partnership with FEDERATION, launched a campaign for Safer Boating Week to raise awareness about dangers near shore. With “Buoy-Boy,” a playful reminder, they emphasize safety rules like wearing life jackets. The initiative aims to engage boaters directly, transforming a serious message into a community conversation about water safety.
Karnataka’s Maritime and Waterways Masterplan aims to attract ₹23,000 crore through 125 projects, focusing on coastal districts Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada. The initiative promotes public-private partnerships for port development, tourism, and connectivity, with notable projects like the Keni port, projected to handle 30 million tonnes annually.
Maritime operations face escalating cyber risks as interconnected ships and supply chains become prime targets for cyber threats, especially ransomware. Michael DeVolld of ABS Consulting underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures, including software updates and multi-factor authentication, to protect operational integrity and safety amidst growing vulnerabilities in digital systems.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has unveiled a groundbreaking roadmap for integrating nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping, titled Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime. Developed with Global Nuclear Security Partners and NorthStandard, it offers structured guidance for shipowners and regulators, addressing safety, design, insurance, and crew training amidst a push for zero-carbon solutions.
The Royal Institute of Navigation’s Maritime Working Group is investigating GNSS jamming and spoofing issues affecting the maritime industry. They launched a survey for sector professionals to share experiences with GNSS interference, emphasizing the urgent need for improved navigation reliability amidst increasing risks to safety and operational integrity.
India’s maritime sector has transformed significantly over 11 years, with an expected Rs 80 lakh crore investment over the next 22 years. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this during the Golden Jubilee of the New Mangalore Port, emphasizing the importance of maritime capabilities for a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047.
With the EU ETS deadline passed and FuelEU Maritime enforcement approaching, pooling has become crucial in maritime compliance. Operators must balance efficiency with regulatory intent, as a focus on pricing risks undermining goals. Effective pooling requires strong governance and oversight to avoid costly penalties and ensure accountability among participants.
Bhubaneswar’s Balijatra, Odisha’s historic maritime festival, will debut at the British Parliament on November 14, organized by the Odisha Society of the United Kingdom. The event features a two-day program themed “Ancient Maritime Glory to Sustainable Futures,” celebrating Odia culture, music, and traditions while fostering international dialogue on heritage.
The Netherlands has urged the European Union to label Yemen’s Houthi movement as a terrorist organization following their attack on the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel highlighted the ongoing threat to maritime safety, linking the assaults to the broader conflict involving Israel and Gaza.
The Deendayal Port Authority recently hosted a unique Garba event to celebrate Operation Sindoor, aligning with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh highlighted the operation’s success and its role in enhancing India’s global maritime presence. The DPA also partnered with IIT BHU to explore hydrogen as a clean fuel.
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 UK is set to launch a Maritime Innovation Hub in April 2026, aimed at accelerating decarbonization in the maritime sector. Hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, this initiative will support ship operators and technology developers in navigating regulatory frameworks to foster innovative solutions for sustainable shipping.
The event ‘Samudra se Samruddhi’ at Dhamra Port highlighted India’s commitment to becoming a maritime leader under the “Maritime Amritkal Vision 2047.” Attended by key officials, it showcased policies and projects vital for economic growth, emphasizing local production and innovation as essential for strengthening India’s maritime sector.
