New independent research highlights the role of the Mundra International Container Terminal (MICT) is driving trade, unlocking economic value and supporting economic opportunity across the country. Commissioned in 2003 as India’s first greenfield container terminal within a non-major port, MICT has grown into a critical gateway for containerised trade. The terminal has handled more than…
The global maritime community is gathering in Athens this week at a moment of acute strategic significance: with the Strait of Hormuz still closed to commercial traffic and energy supply chains under severe strain, the industry’s mandate to keep the world fed and moving has never been more visible – or more tested. Against this…
Pratik Bijlani – The Royal Bombay Seamen’s Society (RBSS) marked a significant milestone in its long history of seafarer welfare with the inauguration of the newly refurbished rooms at the Prince of Wales Seamen’s Club in Ballard Estate, Mumbai. The event brought together senior maritime leaders, welfare representatives and members of the shipping community to…
Dr Radhika Vakharia – No alien to expending her time, passion and energies on motor drives through the country, Ms Suchita Javadekar is now a veteran of repute in the maritime industry who has proved to be an effective messenger for raising awareness of both, the merchant navy as well as early cancer detection in…
Pratik Bijlani – A remarkable initiative led by Capt. Sanjay Prashar, CEO of VR Maritime Services Pvt. Ltd., is creating new opportunities for young people from rural Himachal Pradesh by connecting them with careers in the Merchant Navy. Through a combination of awareness programmes, transparent recruitment practices, and industry partnerships, more than 105 youths from…
Dr Radhika Vakharia – As someone involved in maritime mental health, wellbeing, and psychological safety, I have observed with interest the strong reactions generated by a recent social media reel that quickly found its way into various maritime WhatsApp groups and online discussions. The intensity of the responses indicates that our industry is becoming increasingly…
Pratik Bijlani – The National Maritime Day Celebrations (NMDC) Committee, under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping, commemorated the International Day for Women in Maritime on 18th May at the Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Powai, Mumbai, bringing together maritime leaders, policymakers, educators, seafarers and cadets to celebrate the growing contribution of women…
Pratik Bijlani – Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways following the Prime Minister-led Council of Ministers meeting, outlining an ambitious reform-driven agenda aimed at accelerating India’s maritime transformation in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision. The meeting focused on strengthening…
Pratik Bijlani – Saudi Arabia has taken another significant step towards strengthening its regional maritime network and logistics ambitions with the launch of new cargo shipping services connecting key ports across the Red Sea, Gulf region, and East Africa. The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) recently inaugurated a new shipping service linking Jeddah Islamic Port with…
