India’s maritime landscape advanced significantly with the launch of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The event featured nearly ₹55,000 crore in strategic partnerships aimed at creating a sustainable maritime ecosystem, highlighted by a key MoU with the Netherlands for a Green and Digital Sea Corridor.
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.
Zero Emission Services (ZES), alongside Nefcargo and Inland Terminals Group, has launched ZES 2.0, enhancing electric inland cargo shipping. This service introduces containerized battery systems for quick swaps at stations in Alphen aan den Rijn, Alblasserdam, and Den Bosch, promoting cost-effective and efficient shipping operations.
On May 30, a collision in the Western Scheldt involved the inland motor vessel Beringzee and the containership Containerships Nord. Emergency teams were dispatched, and while the Beringzee suffered significant damage, two crew members were rescued after being thrown overboard. An investigation into the incident is underway.
On May 14, the Netherlands unveiled the Carbon Destroy 1, the first European-designed carrier for liquefied CO2. This vessel, built at Royal Niestern Sander shipyard, can transport 5,000 tons of CO2, supporting the Greensand Future project. It aims to create a “virtual pipeline” for CO2 storage beneath the North Sea.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal’s recent visit to the Netherlands established a green and digital corridor linking the Port of Rotterdam with Indian ports. This initiative targets green hydrogen exports to Europe, enhancing collaboration in digitalization, green shipping, and logistics optimization to bolster bilateral trade and support India’s Maritime Vision 2030.
The Dutch Coast Guard faced challenges in the North Sea during a severe storm, rescuing a cargo ship named Valday drifting towards the shore near Rotterdam. Despite crew injuries and difficult weather, they managed to airlift an injured crewmember to safety and secure a towline, ensuring the ship’s safe return to port.
The Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, completed its journey from a shipyard in Germany to its berth in the Netherlands. The 16-hour conveyance along the Ems River was guided by tugs due to the ship’s massive size. After sea trials, the ship will sail to Port Canaveral, Florida, offering a magical cruise experience for guests.
The Dutch environmental group Extinction Rebellion staged protests at the locks leading to Amsterdam, blocking cruise ships to raise awareness about pollution. Chaining themselves to a bridge, protestors delayed the return of a Royal Caribbean ship. Despite police intervention, the group continued their actions, calling for a tax on cruise tickets to support eco-friendly fuels.
A new report criticizes the rescue operation for the burning car carrier Fremantle Highway off the Dutch coast. The analysis confirms earlier reports of ill-prepared and disorganized responders. The fire rendered lifesaving equipment inoperable, and the rescue effort was chaotic, resulting in the death of one crew member. The report aims to improve future cooperation and coordination.
