Amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, the Indian government has confirmed the safety of all Indian seafarers, with no incidents reported recently. Eighteen vessels, crewed by 485 seafarers, are operating normally. Notably, two LPG carriers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the flow of essential goods continues.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has ramped up its operations, destroying five foreign fishing vessels under Operation BROADSTAFF. Acting Deputy Commander Brooke Dewar highlighted the proactive enforcement strategy, emphasizing daily patrols to protect marine resources. Since January, 19 vessels have been intercepted, with nine destroyed, showcasing the operation’s effectiveness against illegal fishing.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has raised alarms about the dire situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where around 2,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers are stranded. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the immense stress on crews facing fatigue and supply shortages, urging for a humanitarian corridor to aid their safe passage.
India is enhancing diplomatic efforts to secure the safe passage of 22 Indian-flagged vessels and 611 seafarers in the Persian Gulf conflict zone. Prioritizing the safety of its tankers and crews, India aims to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies as recent shipments of LPG and crude oil reach its ports, addressing local gas concerns.
On March 12, 2026, the Hellenic Statistical Authority released findings from a 2024 ship and crew census. It revealed 1,107 active ships, predominantly Greek-owned (91.2%). These vessels employed 18,822 seafarers, with a notable increase in female employment, rising from 1,237 in 2020 to 2,048 in 2024, a 65.6% increase.
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.
