India is set to launch a major ship recycling initiative, targeting the recycling of nearly 16,000 vessels over the next decade with an $8 billion investment. This initiative emphasizes sustainable practices, aims to enhance maritime industrial growth, and ensures compliance with international environmental standards to boost India’s global recycling market share.
Maharashtra is developing a ₹20,000-crore greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dighi in Raigad, spearheaded by Mazagon Dock. The site’s strategic location near port infrastructure and its extensive industrial land aim to bolster India’s shipbuilding capabilities, attracting investments and enhancing maritime services essential for a robust manufacturing hub.
The JSI Alliance successfully completed a challenging project for Afcons Infrastructure Limited in India, constructing a new liquid cargo berth for Gujarat Chemical Port Ltd. Key operations involved heavy lifting of eight jackets and fifteen berthing dolphins amidst strong currents and tidal rises, showcasing innovative solutions and effective collaboration.
Construction has begun on a new 48-meter catamaran passenger ferry for Hy-Line Cruises, designed by Incat Crowther at Midship Marine in Louisiana. This vessel will connect Hyannis, Massachusetts, with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, accommodating 493 passengers and achieving speeds over 30 knots, tailored for Cape Cod’s conditions.
JSW Infrastructure Ltd, part of the $23 billion JSW group, is evaluating a proposed greenfield deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar, West Bengal. This decision follows the state government’s announcement of shifting from Tajpur, aligning with JSW’s commitment to industrial growth and increasing cargo demands, supported by improved connectivity and land availability.
A consortium led by Stillstrom has secured €5 million from the EU’s Horizon Europe program to develop offshore charging infrastructure for ships in Denmark. The three-year SPARK project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from stationary vessels by establishing a pilot Offshore Power Zone in Skagen, enhancing sustainable maritime operations.
The European Commission has launched its Hydrogen Mechanism, sparking strong interest from market players. This initiative enables hydrogen producers to gauge project demand and identify buyers, streamlining processes. With 265 supply opportunities registered, including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, the project aims to facilitate direct connections for potential collaborations.
Iran has reaffirmed that the Chabahar Port project is on schedule despite sanctions. The Iranian ambassador to India highlighted its role as a vital access point for India to Central Asia and Afghanistan. Progress includes advancements in infrastructure, notably the nearly complete Chabahar-Zahedan railway link, enhancing regional trade connectivity.
The recent inauguration of three new berths at VOC Port, including the North Cargo Berth-III, marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade capacity. With advancements in sustainable operations, such as green hydrogen production and the introduction of a Digital Twin platform, VOC Port is poised to lead India’s maritime future, aligning with net-zero goals.
SCHOTTEL has been chosen by GONDAN shipyard to provide the propulsion system for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s new vessel, POLE STAR. Officially named by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the ship features advanced maneuverability with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers and TransverseThrusters, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Andhra Pradesh is progressing towards establishing a shipbuilding and repair cluster, as emphasized in the recent Union Budget. With its extensive coastline and strategic inland waterways, the state aims to enhance India’s maritime ecosystem. A 2,000-acre hub at Duggarajapatnam will attract more units, creating job opportunities for local youth.
The European Union is funding a cross-border initiative in the Øresund region to enhance carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. With a budget over $1.4 million, this project aims to create a Danish-Swedish collaboration platform, integrating CCUS into the regional energy system for sustainable fuel production.
India and the Netherlands have formalized a collaboration on maritime heritage through a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. This partnership, established during a meeting between S. Jaishankar and David van Wiel, aims to enhance cultural ties and promote India’s maritime history globally.
The Union government has approved a ₹887 crore marina project in Mumbai Harbour, set to enhance maritime tourism. The Mumbai Port Authority will invest ₹470 crore for infrastructure, while a private operator contributes ₹417 crore. Spanning 12 hectares, the marina will accommodate 424 yachts and create over 2,000 jobs.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, Igloo Corp., and Hyundai LNG Shipping have launched a joint development project to enhance cyber resilience in maritime operations. Leveraging Igloo’s SPiDER OT platform, the collaboration aims to fortify cybersecurity measures, comply with IACS regulations, and address the growing threat of cyberattacks in shipping.
