Dr Radhika Vakharia – The escalating Iran-Israel-US war has drawn not only global attention for its geopolitical and economic shockwaves, but an equally grave and less visible, although highly-probable, consequence: a mounting environmental crisis driven by attacks on oil infrastructure and tankers across the Gulf. Recent strikes on energy facilities, including refineries, gas fields, and…
Dr Radhika Vakharia – India’s maritime trade is vast, yet its presence in global shipping remains surprisingly small. The country has roughly 1,500 merchant vessels, accounting for less than 1.5 percent of the world’s total shipping tonnage. Despite being a major trading nation, India transports only about 7 to 8 percent of its own export…
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has taken into class Lila Jamnagar, a 298,997 DWT Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) and one of the largest vessels to sail under the Indian flag. The addition of the vessel marks an important milestone for India’s tanker fleet and highlights the growing role of Indian classification in supporting the…
Two pressing concerns impacting Indian seafarers have been formally raised by Frank Viegas, President of the Goan Seafarers Association of India (GSAI), in appeals to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Directorate General of Shipping. The first relates to the newly announced Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) Old Age Benefit Scheme, which…
After five successful editions across Bangalore, Goa, Chennai, and Mumbai, Naughtica returns to Mumbai on 20th and 21st March for its biggest celebration yet. This year, 24 colleges and over 700 students will compete in 15 activities over two days, vying for medals and the coveted trophy. Supported by some of the country’s most eminent…
Pratik Bijlani – Amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) and the International Maritime Federation (IMF) jointly convened an urgent virtual meeting on 4 March titled “War Update: P&I Coverage Suspension + Stranded Seafarers.” The session followed an earlier emergency coordination meeting held on 2 March and…
With nearly three decades of experience across airlines, technology, and travel services, Jeet Sawhney, Managing Director of ATPI India, has built a career defined by scale, resilience, and leadership in complex travel ecosystems. From senior roles at KLM Air France, VFS, Sabre, and Tripjack, to steering ATPI India today, his journey reflects both operational expertise…
For Marex Media, Ms Delphine Estibeiro engaged in an insightful dialogue with Mr Rohith Agarwal, CEO of Guideship Consulting Services, on the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Their conversation examined India’s long-standing leadership in ship recycling, the paradox of its absence from key IMO registers, and the…
Pratik Bijlani – On 27 February, the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IMEI) Mumbai Branch, along with its Navi Mumbai and Gujarat Chapters, hosted its Annual Meet & Technical Seminar at the MCA Club Mumbai. The event brought together marine engineering professionals, regulators, and industry leaders for an afternoon of technical deliberations followed by an…
The first of three indigenous Cadet Training Ships being constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard, Kattupalli, Chennai, for the Indian Navy was ceremonially launched today at the shipyardin the distinguished presence of General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. Named ‘Krishna’, the vessel pays tribute to the River Krishna, the third longest river in…