Kandla Port has achieved a milestone by becoming India’s first tidal port to execute a Triple Banking Ship-to-Ship operation. Three vessels operated simultaneously, transferring about 1,94,000 tonnes of cargo, including from a Capesize to transshipment and Panamax vessels. Despite challenging tidal conditions, the operation showcased high technical precision and coordination. This enhances Kandla’s capacity to handle large cargo volumes, reduce vessel delays, and support energy supply chains, especially amid disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

The Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of 286 Indian seafarers from the Gulf, including 33 in the past 48 hours. A control room has handled over 3,000 calls and 5,400 emails, assisting seafarers and stakeholders. Indian ports are supporting operations through charge concessions and coordination with authorities. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 crew remain in the region, all safe. Measures like temporary storage at JNPA and an inter-ministerial group aim to ensure maritime safety and trade continuity.

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has permitted Indian ports to store cargo bound for West Asia as transshipment cargo to address disruptions caused by regional conflict and suspended sailings through the Strait of Hormuz. Ports have been directed to allocate extra storage, allow ad-hoc vessel berthing, and prioritise perishable cargo to minimise losses. Coordination with Customs and DGFT has been emphasised, while ports may offer charge waivers case-by-case. The measures aim to ensure trade continuity and reduce the impact of shipping disruptions.

DP World has acquired a 5,000+ TEU container vessel, DP World Chennai, to strengthen trade links between India and the Middle East. The ship made its maiden call at Jebel Ali Port and now operates on the Red Sea–Gulf–India route within the company’s Shipping Solutions network. According to Global COO Ganesh Raj, the move improves reliability and flexibility for cargo movement across the corridor. The acquisition also supports DP World’s broader strategy to expand owned capacity and invest in India’s maritime and logistics infrastructure.

Kerala inaugurated the first phase of the Kovalam–Bekal West Coast Innovation Project along the revived inland waterway at Varkala, featuring a light-and-sound show inside the historic Chilakkoor Tunnel. The show narrates the life of reformer Sree Narayana Guru and his interactions with Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched the 280-km Akkulam–Chettuva stretch, part of a planned 590-km waterway. The project aims to boost tourism, revive historic trade routes, improve cargo transport, and strengthen Kerala’s multimodal logistics network.