The Ministry of Ports and Airports in Brazil is implementing programs to enhance operational practices and promote environmental sustainability in port infrastructure. Key initiatives include a decarbonization framework and rigorous monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to significantly reduce emissions in the maritime sector by 2035.
In early November, maritime industry leaders gathered in London for the Kind Leadership Workshop, aiming to integrate empathy and accountability into the sector. Based on a 2023 report, 88% of professionals support this approach. The workshop produced an “Implementation Passage Plan” to promote Kind Leadership through training and mentoring, enhancing operational safety.
Cyprus has renewed its collective agreement for seafarers on Cyprus-flagged vessels, effective from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. This three-year deal aligns local maritime labor standards with international norms, updating wage scales and compensation to meet ILO minimums, enhancing the competitiveness of the Cypriot shipping sector.
On December 16, 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conducted a technical audit in North Korea, assessing compliance with maritime obligations since 1986. This visit, a rare exception amidst strict entry restrictions, aimed to ensure North Korea’s adherence to international maritime safety and environmental standards post-COVID-19.
The State of Qatar, led by Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani, participated in the 34th IMO Assembly in London. The Minister highlighted Qatar’s commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection, and training initiatives, including a new Maritime Training Center, emphasizing the nation’s strategic focus on its maritime industry.
In a significant step to boost India’s maritime capabilities, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board. This partnership aims to enhance maritime infrastructure, develop a Greenfield shipyard, and promote indigenous manufacturing, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
The Nigerian maritime sector is in crisis, with its indigenous fleet dwindling drastically, leading to foreign carriers handling 95% of cargo. Stakeholders at the PortNews Summit called for the urgent release of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, which has remained dormant for 18 years, costing the economy billions annually.
Honeywell has launched a groundbreaking technology to convert agricultural and forestry waste into renewable fuels for the maritime sector. This innovation produces lower-carbon marine fuel, gasoline, and sustainable aviation fuel from biomass like wood chips. It provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to heavy fuel oil, enhancing energy efficiency for ship operators.
During the India Maritime Week in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged investors to seize opportunities in India’s maritime sector. Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran projected GDP growth for FY 2025-26 at around 7%, exceeding earlier estimates. Key MoUs were signed to bolster maritime workforce capabilities and enhance port operations.
During India Maritime Week 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative impact on India’s maritime sector. With participation from over 85 countries and more than 100,000 delegates, this unprecedented event emphasizes India’s ambition to lead in global seafaring and cruise tourism, showcasing its evolving maritime ecosystem.
Berhampur University and the Indian Maritime University have formalized a partnership to enhance maritime research in Odisha through a signed MoU. This collaboration will facilitate academic exchanges, including student programs and joint certificate courses in areas like maritime informatics and artificial intelligence, fostering innovation in the maritime sector.
On Monday, the Maharashtra government signed MOUs worth ₹56,000 crore to boost maritime infrastructure, including port expansions and shipyard constructions. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of these agreements for establishing Maharashtra as a maritime superpower, with significant investments planned for Dighi port and enhancements to water transport in Mumbai.
As the IMO Green Summit approaches, the global shipping industry faces scrutiny over greenhouse gas emissions. Advocates call for binding measures, including global fuel standards and a GHG levy. The proposed Net-Zero Framework aims for mandatory emission limits and a pricing mechanism, targeting vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage for significant reductions.
India has emerged as a premier global supplier of seafarers, boasting over 300,000 trained professionals, as highlighted by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Significant reforms and investments have transformed the maritime sector, creating vast opportunities in ports, shipbuilding, and green technologies, thus reinforcing India’s leadership in the maritime economy.
Recently Ports and shipping in India have gained significant attention, with a ₹69,725 crore package approved to revitalize the maritime sector. The initiative aims to enhance domestic shipbuilding, improve financing options, develop shipyards, and upgrade technical skills, fostering a robust infrastructure for India’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
