The illicit drug trade poses numerous hazards to international security, public health, and socioeconomic stability. This article analyses the complex relationship between anti-narcotics law enforcement and maritime trade, focusing on the importance of maritime channels in drug trafficking and the tactics utilised to combat this danger. It uses theoretical frameworks and empirical facts to study…
Pratik Bijlani – In a significant departure from its usual strategy, the US Treasury has imposed sanctions directly on two Indian-origin maritime captains as part of a broader effort targeting the financial networks of Sa’id al-Jamal, a key facilitator for Houthi interests. This move underscores a shift away from targeting traditional shipowners or charterers to…
Pratik Bijlani – The Directorate General of Shipping, in partnership with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), hosted a thorough workshop titled “Strategic Engagement of India with IMO” at the Indian Register of Shipping in Mumbai on 07th June. This event sought to investigate options for boosting India’s relationship with the International Maritime…
Padmesh Prabhune – The Indian ship recycling industry will see revenue growth of 15 per cent this fiscal after two years of successive decline; 22 per cent in fiscal 2024 and 8.5 per cent in fiscal 2023, according to Crisil rating. The rating agency said the growth will be supported by the increased availability of…
In an Interactive Session of the Advisory Committee of the Maritime Anti-corruption Network (MACN) India, held in Chennai on 31st May, key discussions highlighted the pressing need for collective action to combat corruption in the maritime industry. The session commenced with a welcome address by the Chairman of Chennai Port Authority, Shri Sunil Paliwal, IAS,…
– Padmesh Prabhune The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced the closure of one of its docks following an oil spill that happened during a ship’s bunkering. According to the report, oil was discovered near the Deurganck dock on 7 June as oil spilled accidentally during the bunkering procedure. To prevent the spread of the spill,…
– Pratik Bijlani The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) convened its yearly conference at The Orchid Hotel in Mumbai on June 7, with the aim of tackling the urgent issues that Indian seafarers encounter. FSUI was founded in 1957 and has been a pillar in the fight for the welfare and rights of Indian…
– Pratik Bijlani The maritime industry is seeing a huge shift in trade routes as Yemen-based Houthi terrorists launch attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These attacks have significantly curtailed travel through the Suez Canal, Asia’s shortest route to Europe, forcing many vessel operators to seek alternative routes. As a result, the volume…
– Pratik Bijlani Offing Group Pvt Ltd has created Marpool (Maritime Pool), an innovative effort aimed at addressing the suffering of unemployed seafarers. Marpool was founded following a comprehensive survey undertaken by the Offing Group, led by late Capt Purnendu Shorey and Capt Anupam Raizada. The survey, which was performed in three phases, intended to…
– Adhering to the IMO methodology, 22 specific areas of the Convention and Code are to be reviewed – Padmesh Prabhune The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, is an international agreement which sets the standards of competence for seafarers globally. The International Maritime Organization (IMO)…