Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works, through a consortium led by Knowledge Shipyard, has won a ₹66.11 crore contract from the Inland Waterways Authority of India to design, build and commission 10 hybrid electric passenger ferries. Each ferry will carry 20 passengers, supporting cleaner inland water transport. The project includes ₹65.52 crore for construction and ₹0.59 crore for maintenance, with execution over 10 months followed by a five-year support period. The order strengthens KMEW’s presence in India’s sustainable inland shipping sector.

Kerala’s proposed Mission Samudra has received strong support from the maritime industry, with the state allocating Rs 400 crore to transform Kerala into a global maritime hub within five years. The initiative will integrate ports, inland waterways, road and rail networks with manufacturing and logistics hubs. Key projects include improved connectivity to Vizhinjam Port, green bunkering facilities, a shipbuilding hub and development of non-major ports under a new Kerala Maritime Policy. The mission also aims to generate jobs, with opportunities reserved for coastal communities.

Three Indian sailors were killed after the tanker MT Settebello was struck by the US military in the Gulf of Oman, which alleged the vessel violated its blockade on Iranian ports. Of the 24 Indian crew members, 21 were rescued. The deceased were identified as cadet Aditya Sharma, fitter Shivanand Chaurashiya and chief engineer Patnala Suresh. Operator iOS Marine denied any links to Iran or Iranian oil and disputed US claims that the tanker ignored warning calls before the strike.

Emirates Shipping Line, Evergreen Marine, Gold Star Line and KMTC are restructuring their joint Far East–India container service into two separate networks. Gold Star Line will partner with Global Feeder Shipping on the revamped NIX service using five 5,000-TEU vessels, while Emirates Shipping Line, Evergreen and KMTC will continue with the rebranded CSX2/CIX3/AIS3 service deploying six 7,500-TEU ships. The split reflects carriers’ efforts to improve network flexibility, optimise vessel deployment, expand port coverage and maintain reliable schedules amid changing demand and congestion on Asia–India trade routes.

The Centre plans to invest Rs 19,209 crore in West Bengal’s maritime sector by 2031 to develop the state as eastern India’s leading maritime and logistics hub. The proposed projects include port expansion at Kolkata and Haldia, inland waterway upgrades, a multimodal logistics hub, shipbuilding facilities, cruise tourism infrastructure and riverfront redevelopment, creating over 62,500 jobs. Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the initiatives would attract private investment, reduce logistics costs and boost trade, while the state government pledged support for key connectivity and port development projects.