Pratik Bijlani – The maritime industry witnessed an alarming rise in seafarer abandonment cases in 2024, with 310 incidents recorded globally—an unprecedented 118% increase compared to 2023. This surge, the highest in two decades, has left over 3,000 seafarers stranded without pay, provisions, or a means to return home. Indian seafarers have been disproportionately affected,…
Pratik Bijlani – India and Indonesia have reinforced their strategic partnership by advancing maritime and defence cooperation through critical agreements and collaborative initiatives. During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to New Delhi, the two nations finalized the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and agreed to enhance cadet exchanges between their naval academies, reflecting a shared…
Leading bunker trading firm, Glander International Bunkering, has introduced a tool to help users calculate key data for compliance with FuelEU Maritime, which came into effect on January 1. FuelEU Maritime aims to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping sector by incentivizing the use of alternative fuels and imposing penalties for non-compliance. With the new…
Dr Radhika Vakharia – On January 22, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and Sailors’ Society UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening welfare services for the maritime sector in India. This MOU marks a significant step forward in supporting the health, well-being, and safety of seafarers, reflecting a long-term commitment…
Mr TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited the Alang ship recycling yards in Gujarat, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting the industry’s growth and development. Alang, one of the world’s largest and busiest ship recycling destinations, has been a significant contributor to India’s economy, providing employment opportunities and driving…
Pratik Bijlani – On January 22, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) marked a significant milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a grand celebration held at The Westin Hotel in Mumbai. The event, part of IRClass’s year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations, was attended by prominent figures from the maritime industry, including government officials and corporate leaders. The celebration not…
Mumbai, January 24, 2025 – On the momentous occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, unveiled the official logo for the Maritime Games. Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal highlighted the critical role of sports in fostering physical and mental…
The maritime industry, a cornerstone of global trade, heavily depends on the physical and mental well-being of its seafarers. However, a significant yet often overlooked threat to their health is cancer, which is exacerbated by tobacco use, including social smoking, e-cigarettes, and smokeless forms. This article examines the prevalence of cancer among sea staff, the…
The serene city of Dehradun is set to host a landmark event in the maritime industry—Aarohan 2025, the International Maritime Conference, scheduled for March 22, 2025. This highly anticipated gathering, organized by Integrated Maritime Exchange (IME) in collaboration with Graphic Era University, promises to bring together global leaders, industry stalwarts, academics, and innovators in commercial…
Pratik Bijlani – On January 16, the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) hosted its monthly meeting on the critical topic of maritime cybersecurity at Elegant Marine Services’ office in Mumbai. The hybrid meeting saw participation both online and in-person, with Capt Viraf Chichgar, General Manager and Dean of FMTI, delivering the keynote presentation…