The Kerala government has declared a statewide emergency after the Liberian container ship MSC ELSA 3, carrying 640 containers including 13 hazardous ones, capsized off the coast. A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary A Jayathilak issued a statewide alert. Coastal districts face environmental risks, prompting warnings for fishermen to stay ashore. The public is advised to avoid any drifting containers or oil slicks, maintaining a 200-metre distance. Any sightings should be reported immediately to emergency number 112 as authorities monitor the situation closely.

Adani Gangavaram Port has set a new productivity record by handling 193,588 MTs in 24 hours on May 18, 2025, surpassing its previous record from February 2022. The achievement is attributed to strategic infrastructure investments, including enhanced cargo handling systems, improved railway connectivity, and better storage solutions. Two new cranes commissioned in 2024 have also boosted efficiency. The port’s marine, railway, road, and conveyor facilities have all seen upgrades. Management credited the port team’s dedication in meeting growing demands in the shipping and logistics industry.

Cargo movement through India-Bangladesh waterways reached a record 47.4 lakh tonnes in FY 2021-22, a 20% rise from the previous year and nearly double compared to FY 2018-19. Cement makers, particularly in Bangladesh, increasingly used river routes to import fly ash and other materials due to lower costs and environmental benefits. Bangladeshi vessels carried 42.18 lakh tonnes, Indian vessels 5.22 lakh tonnes. The Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade facilitated this growth, with prospects brightening as both countries explore further infrastructure upgrades.

Rising tensions between India and Pakistan have begun disrupting maritime trade, with major shipping lines avoiding Karachi port. CMA CGM diverted two vessels—APL Florida and CMA CGM Shanghai—from Karachi to Colombo under safety concerns, while Zim’s Gold Star Line halted Karachi-bound bookings. HMM confirmed bans on India-Pakistan services but permits third-country shipments. Both nations have suspended bilateral trade amid escalating conflict. Maersk and Wilhelmsen are monitoring the situation closely, adjusting cargo flows and preparing for further network changes if hostilities and trade restrictions continue.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India signed an MoU with Rhenus Logistics India to deploy 100 cargo vessels with pusher tugs along NW-1, NW-2, NW-16, and Indo-Bangladesh Protocol routes. Phase one, beginning Q3 2025, includes 20 barges and six tugs. This partnership supports the Jal Marg Vikas Project, aimed at enhancing inland waterway transport on National Waterway-1. The initiative will boost cargo movement, reduce logistics costs, and expand India’s waterways infrastructure, making the IWT sector more competitive and efficient.