In September, India’s maritime sector made notable strides as the government advanced its Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. With 38 registered ship lessors managing 43 vessels, including 24 under the Indian flag, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted these developments at the India Ship Leasing Summit.
The V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has received the 25th Environment & Sustainability Award 2026 from the Greentech Foundation, recognizing its dedication to environmental protection and sustainable operations. The award highlights the port’s initiatives for cleaner infrastructure and the significant support of Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in advancing sustainability efforts.
Alfa Laval has unveiled the PureBallast 3 Ultra Skid at SMM 2026, a compact, skid-mounted ballast water management system. This innovative design combines biological treatment with a prefabricated structure, enhancing installation efficiency. It operates without chemicals, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while supporting capacities from 32 to 600 m³/h.
India aspires to rank among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047, increasing its capacity to 4.5 million gross tonnes. At the SMM Hamburg event, Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar outlined a strategy that includes a €7 billion support package and emphasizes sustainability and collaboration with European maritime companies for innovative green shipping solutions.
At the International Maritime Organization gathering, the Secretary-General reaffirmed that decarbonisation remains a critical priority, despite diminished media attention. He urged early investment in green technologies, warning that failing to act could jeopardize the industry’s future. Emphasizing collaboration, he called for proactive involvement from younger professionals in shaping sustainable shipping policies.
NYK has finalized the acquisition of a 50% stake in Avenir LNG Limited from Stolt-Nielsen Gas Ltd., establishing a joint ownership framework. This partnership aims to enhance LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operations, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels and aligning with global sustainability goals.
Next week, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will resume discussions in London about the Net-Zero Framework for shipping. Despite ongoing divisions among nations, the intersessional working group aims to reconcile competing proposals, addressing greenhouse gas emissions and their economic implications, particularly for developing countries, amid high stakes for the industry’s sustainability.
Hoppe Marine and AVL Analytical Technologies GmbH have teamed up to introduce a new generation of Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) for the maritime sector. This collaboration combines Hoppe Marine’s maritime instrumentation expertise with AVL’s emissions measurement proficiency, offering shipowners precise, real-time emissions data to enhance compliance and sustainability.
Danish operator Baltic Shipping Company has expanded its fleet with two Damen-built hybrid coasters, Baltic Iron and Baltic Timber. Each vessel features Econowind VentoFoils, enhancing propulsion and reducing fuel consumption by up to 12%. This innovation reflects a commitment to energy-efficient shipping and meeting customer demands for lower carbon footprints.
India’s maritime sector is advancing with Cochin Shipyard Limited’s launch of a new Industry 4.0-ready plate cutting machine, enhancing digital transformation in shipping. Additionally, the Green Tug Transition Programme aims to replace diesel tugs with hybrid and electric alternatives, promoting sustainability. The government also amended financial assistance policies to support green shipbuilding.
In 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) faces geopolitical tensions, security challenges, digitization, and decarbonization. Their goal is safe, efficient, sustainable shipping through international regulations and technical support. Milestones include joining conventions on ship recycling, fishing vessel safety, and reducing emissions. Mandatory regulations and initiatives support member states to meet ambitious decarbonization targets.
PPG’s SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 fouling release hull coating offers a solution to reduce fuel consumption and emissions intensity for ship owners. With a 100% pure silicone binder system, it can decrease emissions by up to 35% compared to traditional antifoulings. The electrostatic application technique further enhances sustainability benefits by reducing overspray and waste.
The Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi partners with Abu Dhabi Maritime to introduce MARSDNA, a digital tool for enhancing ESG efforts. MARSDNA offers a user-friendly questionnaire to evaluate ESG metrics and provide tailored recommendations. This initiative promotes sustainability and positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in maritime sustainability.
