Anglo‑Eastern Powers Four Seasons’ Ultra‑Yacht Debut
Four Seasons I, a 95-suite yacht that announced Four Seasons’ entry into the ultra-luxury yacht segment, has successfully completed her maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, supported by Anglo Eastern Cruise Management Inc. (AECMI) as her technical ship management partner. AECMI’s involvement began during the newbuilding phase at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard in 2024 and now includes…
Shipping: This Very Backbone of Trade Needs to be Recognised
As an ex-Merchant navy Captain, I want to highlight something that’s often overlooked: the backbone of global trade – merchant shipping. Without merchant ships, the world would come to a grinding halt. Think about it: almost everything we use, from food to electronics, relies on shipping. 90% of global trade by volume is carried by…
Bolidt Ramps Up as Cruise Season Nears
The coming season sees major operators including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean and AIDA Cruises engaging industry-leading decking company Bolidt for key works across their fleets. As part of MSC Cruises’ refurbishment programme focus to add exclusive, high-end areas on several existing ships, Bolidt recently completed extensive refit works aboard MSC Magnifica, to be followed by…
Capt JC Anand: Architect of India’s Maritime Self-Reliance
Pratik Bijlani – The Indian maritime fraternity mourns the passing of Capt JC Anand, a towering figure whose remarkable life and career left an indelible mark on the nation’s shipping industry. Passing away at the age of 104, Capt Anand’s legacy spans over eight decades of dedicated service, defined by vision, resilience, and an unwavering…
Reclaiming Transparency: The Case Against RPSL Companies
For decades, Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) companies have functioned as intermediaries between Indian seafarers and global shipping opportunities. In theory, they exist to facilitate efficient, compliant, and ethical recruitment. In practice, however, the system has become deeply compromised. The scale and persistence of exploitation, fraud, and regulatory evasion by many RPSL agencies raise…
Seafarers, Security, and Sustainability in Spotlight
The Chandigarh Chapter of the Institute of Marine Engineers India (IMEI), in collaboration with the Institution of Engineers (India), Punjab & Chandigarh State Centre, the Company of Master Mariners (India), and the Merchant Navy Officers Association, commemorated National Maritime Day on April 4, at Engineer’s Bhawan, Chandigarh. Centered on the theme “Maritime India – Empowering…
SCILAL Signs MoU with Synergy Marine to Boost Training Ecosystem
Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Ltd. (SCILAL), a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd. (part of Synergy Marine Group) to collaborate on maritime capability development, training, and knowledge exchange. The MoU was signed in Mumbai…
IRS Reshapes Leadership to Accelerate Growth
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has announced key leadership appointments effective 1 April 2026, as part of its strategic efforts to strengthen organizational capabilities and support its continued growth trajectory. As IRS enters the financial year 2026–27, the organisation is witnessing sustained expansion across its core and emerging service areas. This growth comes alongside a…