News Bulletin: January 2025
1. New International Land-Sea trade corridor connects 555 ports
The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor is a significant logistics network connecting China’s western regions to global markets, reaching 555 ports in 127 nations and territories. With its operating center in Chongqing Municipality in southwest China, the corridor integrates highways, sea routes, and railways passing through Guangxi and Yunnan provinces. Currently, the freight service covers 157 locations across 73 domestic cities.
Source: Maritime Gateway
2. India’s maritime sector needs investment of $1 trillion by 2047 : MoPSW Secy
India’s maritime sector needs an estimated $1 trillion investment by 2047 and ₹5 lakh crore by 2030 to realize its full potential, according to Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. He emphasized the development of green hydrogen production hubs at Paradip, Tuticorin, and Kandla ports as part of decarbonization efforts in the shipping sector.
Source: India Shipping News
3. Odisha planning Rs 4,000 crore ship recycling hub near Paradip port
The Odisha government is set to support a Rs 4,000-crore ship recycling hub near Paradip port, along with plans to establish two new ports at Inchuri and Bahuda with private sector involvement. Additional investments include railway tracks for mineral transportation and hydrogen manufacturing facilities expected by 2026. Plans also include developing data centers and an electronic city in the state.
Source: Maritime Gateway
4. Trump’s ambition to retake the Panama Canal could have a heavy cost
President-elect Donald Trump recently stated that Panama should return the Panama Canal to the United States, even suggesting the use of military force if necessary. At his inauguration, Trump reinforced his stance, potentially reversing decades of U.S. policy. His controversial position would require significant public and political buy-in, especially given his criticism of U.S. military engagements in the Middle East.
Source: India Shipping News
5. China’s Shandong Port Group to Turn Away US-Sanctioned Oil Tankers
China’s Shandong Port Group has introduced a 2025 policy barring tankers under U.S. sanctions from docking or receiving services at its ports. A report from Reuters, based on memos shared by traders, revealed the directive prohibiting sanctioned vessels from docking, unloading, or receiving ship services. The policy aligns with the Office of Foreign Assets Control list managed by the U.S. Department of State.
Source: Maritime Executive
6. India, France step up maritime security cooperation in Indian Ocean Region
India and France have enhanced their maritime cooperation to ensure security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with New Delhi assuming the chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2025 for two years. At the Maritime Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi, both nations agreed to assess maritime threats, including piracy, armed robbery, terrorism, smuggling, and illegal fishing, as well as cyber and hybrid threats. They also pledged to collaborate on maintaining free and secure sea lanes through shared maritime assets and infrastructure. France, with its territories in the IOR, remains a key partner for India in the region.
Source: ET Infra
