The argument that tolls can be charged in the Strait of Hormuz because the Suez and Panama canals charge fees is based on a false equivalence. The two categories are governed by completely different legal regimes. Legal Status: Artificial Waterway vs International Strait The Suez Canal and Panama Canal are artificial waterways. They are internal…
The escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing geopolitical friction involving Iran and the United States, have once again exposed a critical vulnerability in India’s energy security architecture—its overwhelming dependence on foreign-owned shipping for the transportation of crude oil, LNG, and LPG. As a nation that imports nearly 85% of its crude oil requirements,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…