India is set to establish its first Deep Sea Marine Microbial Repository at the National Institute of Ocean Technology in Andhra Pradesh. This facility will enable scientists to study microorganisms from extreme marine environments, focusing on their industrial and biomedical potential. Over 1,000 promising strains have already been cataloged for research.
On 17 November 2025, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) launched its first Areas of Research Interest (ARI), focusing on emerging technologies like alternative fuels and maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). This initiative aims to connect maritime researchers, businesses, and government, addressing critical trends and enhancing safety and skills for seafarers.
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.
Recent research by ABS examines ammonia’s safety concerns in machine rooms and during bunkering operations. The study, Security Insights for Ammonia as a Sea Fuel, uses advanced simulations to assess ammonia’s behavior on ships. It emphasizes risk quantification, effective leak detection, and proactive strategies for safe ammonia usage as a marine fuel.
GITAM Deemed to be University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding to enhance technical education and research. The partnership aims to develop skills and innovation in maritime sectors, benefiting students through workshops, training programs, and internships, bridging academia with industry needs.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has formed a Shipbuilding Design Research Committee to support the shipbuilding industry. This panel, headed by the Additional Secretary, includes key officials from various departments and organizations. Their goal is to advise the government on creating a Shipbuilding Design and Research Centre and advancing the National Shipbuilding Mission.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has introduced Asia’s largest Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility at the ‘Discovery’ Satellite Campus in Thaiyur. This cutting-edge facility will revolutionize coastal and marine engineering research in India, focusing on critical issues in ports, waterways, and coastal infrastructure. This facility is supported by the Ministry of Shipping.
Korean officials celebrated the commissioning of Tamhae 3, South Korea’s first domestically-built geophysical exploration research vessel, at Pohang Yeongilman Port. The vessel, a collaboration between Norway’s Ulstein Design and Korea’s HJ Heavy Industries, took eight years to complete and received a government investment exceeding $130 million. With cutting-edge features like the X-Bow design, Tamhae 3 aims to enhance South Korea’s research capabilities.
Wärtsilä has provided its latest simulator technology to the Sharjah Maritime Academy in the UAE, enhancing the academy’s training capabilities. The advanced simulation facility includes navigation, engineering, and VTS simulators, as well as a mixed reality vessel handling application. This collaboration aims to elevate maritime training standards and foster innovation in the industry.
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has launched the new MacGregor GravityVibeTM, a gravity self-unloading system that allows bulk carriers to deliver a wider variety of cargo in greater volume. The system includes vibrating panels to shift remnants and reduce blockages, increasing cargo capacity and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
