Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the significance of skill development for India’s maritime sector at a Mumbai event. He awarded certificates to students completing courses and announced a partnership between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd and the Maharashtra government to offer free training, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a future-ready India.
On February 5, 2026, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, commended the cabinet’s approval of strategic maritime agreements to rejuvenate the shipping sector and strengthen ties with Türkiye. These agreements aim to modernize maritime governance, enhance trade, and protect seafarers’ rights while promoting environmental safety.
India’s Union Budget for 2026-27 continues to label major state-owned ports as “trusts,” overlooking reforms from the Major Port Authorities Act of 2021. This act aimed to grant autonomy to ports, replacing the trust model. Despite a 48% funding increase, inconsistencies in terminology and allocations raise concerns about strategic port management.
The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) is optimistic about the Union Budget’s provisions set to bolster the state’s maritime sector. With initiatives in coastal shipping and shipbuilding, Gujarat aims for rapid growth. The new Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme seeks to elevate coastal freight movement, positioning the state as a premier maritime hub.
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.
