Shipping / Transport
National Waterway-57 operationalised on Assam's Kopili river, maiden cargo flagged off
The first cargo trial run occurred from Govardhan Bridge to Hatsingimari. MV VV Giri carried 300 metric tonnes of cement. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal called it a watershed moment. This resumes intra-state waterborne freight transport after a decade. Over 1168 kms of National Waterways in Assam are now operational.
Synergy Marine appoints Indian Vikas Trivedi as Co-CEO for ship management
Synergy Marine Group has appointed Vikas Trivedi as Co-CEO for ship management, overseeing the tanker and gas carrier division. He joins Ajay Chaudhry, who leads the dry division, in a leadership role. Trivedi brings 25 years of experience to Synergy, which employs a significant number of Indian nationals in its global operations.
Indian owners of three ships ask sanctions-hit Nayara Energy to release the vessels, sources say
Following EU sanctions, Indian vessel owners Seven Islands Shipping and Great Eastern Shipping Co (GESCO) have requested Nayara Energy to terminate contracts for three clean product tankers. Concerns over the sanctions have prompted this decision, impacting Nayara's ability to sell refined fuel and leading to reduced refinery operations due to storage limitations.
EU sanctions Indian arm of UAE-based shipping company
Intershipping Services Hub's Indian branch faces EU sanctions. Captain Abhinav Kamal is also sanctioned. He is the first Indian to face such action related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The EU accuses the company of aiding trade with Russian entities. Sanctions freeze European assets and restrict EU business. Non-EU entities can still engage with Intershipping Services Hub.
Average turnaround time at Indian ports falls to less than a day: Sonowal
India's port turnaround time has dramatically improved, now under a day, surpassing many advanced nations, according to Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. This boost in efficiency, coupled with increased container handling capacity and cargo volumes, supports India's ambition to become a global maritime hub. Policy measures are being implemented to further bolster the domestic shipping sector and attract investment.
Despite geopolitical tensions, India's port sector expected to grow faster than major economies: Report
India's port sector is poised for rapid expansion, outpacing many global economies, fueled by rising domestic consumption and government infrastructure initiatives. Cargo volumes have seen substantial growth, particularly in non-major ports. Ambitious targets are set to increase port capacity significantly by 2047, driven by factors like a young population and multimodal logistics, playing a crucial role in India's economic journey.
Centre plans 51 cruise circuits across 14 states, 3 UTs by 2027
India's river cruise tourism is set for significant expansion with the Cruise Bharat Mission planning 51 new circuits by 2027. Viking Cruises is entering the market with the Viking Brahmaputra, an 80-guest vessel operating on National Waterway-2.
L&T plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore in Katupalli shipbuilding complex: Reports
Larsen and Toubro will invest Rs 1,000 crore in its Katupalli shipbuilding complex. This investment aims to boost production capacity. The company plans to develop new facilities within its existing land. These facilities will include additional shops and skill development centers. The project is expected to start in October and complete in three years.
Adani Krishnapatnam Port moves SC against National Green Tribunal’s penalty over alleged environmental violations
Adani Krishnapatnam Port has appealed to the Supreme Court against the National Green Tribunal's order imposing a penalty for alleged past environmental violations. AKP argues that the NGT's decision was arbitrary and violated natural justice principles, citing inadequate hearing opportunities and reliance on unverified reports. The appeal challenges the tribunal's directions regarding pollution control measures and penalties for non-compliance.
DP World, DPA, Nevomo ink pact to explore autonomous magnetic rail freight movement in India
DP World, Deendayal Port Authority and Nevomo are collaborating. They will explore autonomous magnetic rail freight movement in India. A pact was signed to explore a pilot project. Nevomo's MagRail technology will be used. It will enable self-propelled movement of cargo within the port. The MoU establishes a 750-metre pilot project at Deendayal Port.
Must Watch
Union Minister Sonowal to inaugurate BIMSTEC ports conclave in Vizag on July 14
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will inaugurate the second BIMSTEC ports conclave in Visakhapatnam on July 14, aiming to boost regional maritime cooperation. The two-day event, themed 'Navigating the Future,' will gather delegates from BIMSTEC nations, port authorities, and experts. The conclave is expected to strengthen Visakhapatnam's position as a strategic maritime hub.
Nearly 400 vessels arrived at Vizhinjam port in last one year: Kerala Minister Vasavan
Vizhinjam port marks its first anniversary. Ports Minister V N Vasavan shares the port's achievements. Nearly 400 ships docked, including ultra-large vessels. Vizhinjam becomes the number one port on India's south-east coast. The port handled 8.3 lakh containers. Phase two construction costing over Rs 10,000 crore will begin soon. The port aims to be India's maritime gateway.
Shipping ministry seeks duty cuts for tax parity with foreign flagged ships
The shipping ministry is pushing for tax parity between domestic and foreign-flagged ships to level the playing field. Indian shippers face about 20% higher costs due to domestic levies, impacting their competitiveness in global tenders. Proposed tax adjustments aim to boost the use of Indian-flagged vessels and address the challenges hindering the growth of India's maritime industry.
Ship owner asked to pay ₹125 crore for Kerala mishap
The 'MSC ELSA 3' container ship sank off Kerala coast on May 25. Its owner is responsible for pollution clean-up and compensation. The state government sought ₹9,531 crore. However, the owner's liability is capped at ₹125 crore. This is due to an international maritime treaty. The treaty limits liability based on ship size and incident nature.
Kolkata Port reports 21% growth in cargo during Q1'FY26
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) showcased robust growth in the first quarter of FY'26, handling 17.18 million metric tons of cargo, a 21.21% increase year-over-year. The port experienced a significant surge in container traffic, with a 29.02% rise, alongside substantial increases in key commodities like vegetable oil, coking coal, and POL, solidifying its crucial role in India's maritime trade.
India to get Rs 10,000 crore from Cyprus firms in biggest maritime FDI since 2005
Big news for Indian shipping. Interorient Navigation and Danship & Partners, from Cyprus, are set to invest significantly. They plan to inject Rs 10,000 crore into the sector. This marks the largest foreign investment since 2005. The investment promises to boost India's maritime capabilities. It will also create new opportunities within the industry.
