The Indian government has announced an $8 billion package to support maritime reforms, with an additional $2.2 billion for fleet expansion. Key initiatives include a $2.5 billion Maritime Development Fund and the establishment of Sagarmala Finance Corp. to enhance port operations and shipbuilding, positioning India prominently in global maritime trade.
On September 20, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat to review the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, with a budget of ₹4,500 crore. The complex aims to preserve India’s maritime traditions while boosting tourism and education. Modi also launched projects worth ₹34,200 crore, enhancing regional infrastructure.
Efforts to control the fire on the containership Wan Hai 503 have progressed, with 40% stabilized. The Indian Coast Guard is cooling the vessel’s forward section while a salvage crew has attached a towline. Concerns remain about potential hydrocarbon vapor release from the ship’s fuel tanks and drifting containers.
The Canadian Coast Guard reports progress in the salvage operation for the grounded containership MSC Baltic III, stranded since February 15. Improved weather has facilitated container removal, with 115 containers taken off so far. Approximately half of the heavy fuel onboard has also been safely extracted to prevent pollution.
The second Women in Maritime survey by the IMO and WISTA reveals a significant rise in female employment, from 151,979 in 2021 to 176,820 in 2024. Despite this, women comprise just under 19% of the workforce, with alarming disparities in roles, particularly among seafarers, where only 1% are women.
A new report, “Getting to Zero Coalition Action Framework,” details industry efforts to decarbonize shipping, published by the Global Maritime Forum. It evaluates progress on 26 actions towards achieving full decarbonization by 2050, highlighting advancements from 76 companies in areas like policy engagement and market incentives for zero-emission shipping.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the significance of India’s maritime sector and ports in driving the country’s progress and prosperity. Despite neglect in the past, significant milestones have been achieved in the last decade. The government is committed to further strengthening the maritime ecosystem through initiatives like doubling cargo handling capacity, promoting coastal shipping, and developing inland waterways.
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique recently marked important milestones in the development of three World Class ships in Saint-Nazaire, France. With the delivery of MSC World America, the coin ceremony for MSC World Asia, and the steel cutting for MSC World Atlantic, key figures celebrated the innovative partnership and groundbreaking ships.
A recent report has highlighted concerns about a potential “feasibility wall” hindering the progress of green corridors in the shipping industry. The lack of policies addressing the cost of transitioning to zero-emission fuels is seen as the main obstacle. The initiative gained momentum with 22 nations pledging support for net-zero corridors.
SEA-LNG is leading efforts to eliminate methane slip in the maritime sector, with predictions of eradication within the next decade. Progress has been made in reducing methane emissions from LNG-fueled vessels, but environmental groups are calling for a transition to true zero-emission solutions to meet climate targets by 2050.
Researchers are making strides in reducing methane slip emissions in the maritime industry. The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) announced promising results from technology feasibility studies by four companies. These studies showed strong potential to cut methane emissions and convert methane into alternatives for economic efficiency.
