Capt BK Tyagi Honoured with Varuna Award

The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) is proud to announce that its Chairman and Managing Director, Capt. B. K. Tyagi, has been conferred the prestigious Sagar Samman Varuna Award, the highest recognition in the Indian maritime sector, on the occasion of the 63rd National Maritime Day Celebrations. The Varuna Award, being the highest recognition…

Driving Growth Through Sustainability and Seafarer Training

Pratik Bijlani – The 63rd National Maritime Day Celebrations 2026 culminated on April 5 at the Bharat Ratna Mega Common Facilitation Centre in Mumbai, commemorating the historic 1919 voyage of the SS Loyalty—a defining moment that marked India’s entry into global maritime trade. Organized under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping, the grand…

Shipbuilding, Recycling, Seafarer Training Spotlighted

The seminar on “Recent Initiatives for the Maritime Sector,” held on April 2, at the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) in Mumbai, formed a key part of the 63rd National Maritime Day celebrations under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping. Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and maritime professionals, the session focused on critical…

Government Intervention Sought to Protect Seafarers Amid Gulf Crisis

Mr Sumedh Sonawane, Working President of HBNSU, has issued a strong appeal to the Government of India, highlighting the unprecedented humanitarian and financial challenges faced by lakhs of Indian seafarers due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In his representation, Mr Sonawane underscored that the maritime…

Methanol Bunkering Capability Established

World Fuel Services, in collaboration with West Coast Clean Fuels, has established a proven methanol bunkering capability available to vessel owners and operators across U.S. ports. The companies successfully completed an over-the-water methanol bunker fuel delivery in South Florida, demonstrating a safe, scalable, and regulatory-compliant solution ready for deployment nationwide.  Shipowners and operators evaluating methanol…

The Invisible Warriors: Seafarers in the Line of Fire

Seafarers deserve treatment commensurate with their contribution. Nothing less, nothing more. And yet, that is precisely what they are not getting. As I follow the torrent of commentary surrounding the conflict in the Middle East, something strikes me — something I suspect only an industry insider would notice. Every commentator, across every platform, is rightly…

India’s Maritime Path Forward Spotlighted

Pratik Bijlani – The seminar on Recent Initiatives for the Maritime Sector held on April 1 at the Maritime Training Institute (MTI), Mumbai, emerged as a key highlight of the 63rd National Maritime Day celebrations under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping. Bringing together policymakers, maritime professionals, and industry stakeholders, the session underscored…

Posidonia Findings Highlight Industry’s Cautious Approach to AI Adoption

All newly available maritime Artificial Intelligence (AI) services and products will be presented at Posidonia, as the industry is slowly incorporating its potential into everyday operations. The maritime industry, traditionally measured in its adoption of new technologies, is steadily advancing its engagement with AI, though not without caution, according to findings of a recent Posidonia…

Indian Seafarers at the Forefront of Global Offshore Expansion

Delphine Estibeiro – On 24 March, VR Maritime Services Pvt Ltd (VRM) hosted a landmark seminar at its Mumbai office, bringing offshore seafarers face‑to‑face with shipowners in a rare and insightful exchange. The event drew 110 seafarers alongside representatives from the Maritime Union of India (MUI), National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), NUSI Offshore…

Safeguarding India’s Seafaring Legacy

The Government of India’s decision to station a dedicated official at the Indian High Commission in London to liaise directly with the International Maritime Organization marks a pivotal policy shift for the nation’s maritime sector. Long overdue, this strategic move comes at a time when India’s standing in global shipping and the reputation of its…