As tensions mount in West Asia, 38 Indian-flagged ships, carrying around 1,100 seafarers, remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. This situation raises serious concerns for maritime safety and global trade. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has convened a review to address these issues and ensure the safety of Indian personnel.
On March 1, 2026, three vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz amidst rising tensions from Iranian retaliatory strikes against US-Israeli air raids. One ship off Oman was hit by an unidentified projectile, igniting a fire that was later controlled. Another vessel also faced a projectile strike, but all crew members remained safe.
V. has partnered with Silk Searoad Maritime S.A. to manage their fleet of eight vessels, enhancing operational efficiency. This collaboration leverages V.’s expertise in ship management, focusing on crew welfare, safety, and performance optimization. Additionally, Silk Searoad gains access to competitive purchasing power through V.’s marine services.
Cochin Shipyard Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder for a ₹5,000 crore contract to construct five Next Generation Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy. This status was confirmed in a Ministry of Defence meeting in New Delhi, with contract finalization pending necessary formalities. The shipyard insists there are no related party transactions involved.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) successfully intercepted two foreign fishing vessels in northern Queensland and the Torres Strait, preventing illegal fishing activities. Operation BROADSTAFF, launched last week, aims to disrupt such activities. Community involvement proved crucial, with local reports aiding in monitoring suspicious actions in the region. The operation continues.
CMA CGM announced it is repositioning vessels to safe areas due to severe weather impacting the Atlantic, particularly along the coastlines of France, Spain, and Morocco. The company emphasized the exceptional intensity of conditions in the Bay of Biscay, prompting proactive measures to ensure crew and cargo safety.
On Monday, Russian drones targeted two foreign-flagged vessels in the Black Sea, marking a troubling escalation as the war nears its fourth anniversary. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister reported one injury, underscoring Russia’s assaults on civilian ships and maritime safety, vital for Ukraine’s economy and international trade.
The European Union has intensified sanctions against Russia, adding 41 vessels linked to its shadow fleet, aimed at curbing funding for the war in Ukraine. This brings the total sanctioned vessels to nearly 600, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to uphold sanctions and support Ukraine’s sovereignty amid ongoing aggression.
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has imposed sanctions on 29 vessels and multiple firms aiding Iran’s clandestine oil transport. This move targets Egyptian businessman Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim Sakr and reflects the U.S. commitment to curtail Iran’s financial capabilities supporting its military and nuclear endeavors.
The CIMAC and Maritime Battery Forum report highlights that the transition to battery-powered deep-sea vessels faces more challenges from human and organizational readiness than technical issues. While guidelines exist for technical safety, structured crew training remains limited. Recommendations include harmonized training standards and updated curricula in maritime education to prepare seafarers effectively.
India and Russia are exploring joint production of Arctic-class vessels, aiming to boost maritime cooperation and trade along the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok route. Russian logistics firms are interested, while India’s shipyards expand capabilities. Talks remain early, as both nations seek a stronger Eurasian transport partnership.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., alongside Imabari Shipbuilding, “K” LINE, MOL, NYK Line, JMU, and NSY, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a standard design framework for liquefied CO2 carriers and next-gen alternative fuel vessels. This initiative emphasizes decarbonization technologies, enhancing Japan’s shipbuilding competitiveness globally.
In October 2025, 30 new orders for alternative-fueled vessels were recorded, with 26 being LNG-fueled container ships. Overall, 222 orders for such vessels emerged in the first ten months, marking a 52% increase from 2024. The container segment dominated, accounting for 65% of these new orders.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is poised to launch three advanced vessels, showcasing its expertise in naval defence and sustainability. Notable among them is the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft for the Indian Navy, alongside a Hybrid Electric Methanol-Ready Commissioning Service Operation Vessel and the DCI Dredge Godavari, India’s largest dredger.
The Maritime Technologies Forum has released essential guidelines for the safe inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships, spearheaded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. With growing interest in methanol as an alternative fuel, the report emphasizes inspector safety, competency, and dynamic risk assessments, featuring 41 safety recommendations for industry-wide confidence.
