In 2024, the global shipping industry, which serves as the foundation of international trade, is facing unprecedented challenges. This sector-wide pressure is affecting supply chains while also contributing to broader economic concerns such as inflation. Here’s a closer look at the issues behind the strain on global shipping and the resulting inflationary repercussions. Rising geopolitical…
Pratik Bijlani – On August 28, the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC Antonia encountered severe weather in the Indian Ocean corridor, resulting in the loss of 46 containers and damage to 305 others. The incident occurred approximately 29 nautical miles northeast of Port St. Johns, off South Africa’s Eastern Cape, while the vessel was en route…
HIMT College recently marked a momentous occasion during India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations, hosting two significant events: the Passing out Parade of the 25th Batch of Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) and the 31st Batch of Electro-Technical Officers (ETO), alongside the induction of the 2nd batch of Synergy-sponsored Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) cadets. The day…
Pratik Bijlani – On August 23, the Mumbai Port Authority conducted a special celebration at New Customs House in Ballard Estate, Mumbai, to welcome Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Honourable Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. The visit was intended to kick off numerous significant projects and activities that will usher in a new era for the…
The first of the 2024 Sailors’ Society Cadet Conferences: Wellbeing skills for future seafarers drew over 4000 cadets, shattering all prior attendance records for these international events. Cadets from maritime colleges and institutions across the Indian subcontinent joined new-to-sea ratings for a virtual conference focused on the critical topic of wellness and mental health in…
Pratik Bijlani – A critical meeting was conducted at the Radisson Hotel in Mumbai on August 21st, representing a watershed moment for The Maritime Union of India (MUI), National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), and ICC Shipping Association. The gathering, which was primarily intended as a networking event, gave a platform for union representatives…
Pratik Bijlani – Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on August 22nd to inaugurate three significant Lake Beautification and Rejuvenation projects. Mr Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA warmly welcomed Mr Sonowal. His visit marked a pivotal moment for JNPA, showcasing the port’s ongoing…
The slowdown in Chinese soybean imports is notable as a significant factor contributing to the deceleration in Brazilian soybean exports, although the figures remain remarkably high. Brazil’s soybean exports in January decreased to 2.9 million metric tonnes, down from December’s 3.8 million metric tonnes, according to Brazil Customs. Trade flow data from LSEG shows a…
Pratik Bijlani – The Alette Maersk, the first container vessel to use low-carbon methanol fuel, just crossed the Pacific Ocean, making maritime history. However, upon arrival in the Port of Los Angeles from China, the 1,148-foot vessel encountered a serious setback: the lack of green fuel available in the United States. Forced to use petroleum-based…
Capt Kamal Chadha – Russia has rerouted VLCC carrying oil around Africa to Asia, potentially to avoid Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea. Two Suezmax-class ships, Apus and Arlan, transferred their cargoes to the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Gold Pearl near Egypt’s Port Said earlier this month. The Gold Pearl then…