News Bulletin: July 2025 – Edition 1
1. Mazagon Dock Acquires Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard, Expanding India’s Maritime Influence
India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has secured a controlling stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest shipbuilder, in a US $52.96 million (₹452 crore) transaction. This landmark acquisition – MDL’s first international deal – offers India a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region, especially amid concerns over China’s growing influence in neighboring waters. The move strengthens India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities by integrating resources and expertise, unlocking synergies between Colombo and Mumbai shipyards. It also positions MDL for global expansion, signaling India’s broader ambition to emerge as a key maritime and strategic player across South Asia and beyond.
Source: ET Infra
2. India to Launch First Independent Ammonia Storage Terminal by 2026 at Pipavav
India’s first independent ammonia storage terminal is set to be commissioned at Pipavav Port, Gujarat by the end of 2026. Developed by Aegis Vopak Terminals Limited (AVTL) – a joint venture between Aegis Logistics and Vopak India – the brownfield project will offer 36,000 metric tonnes of storage capacity and is backed by a €53 million (INR 5.3 billion) investment. Designed to serve the fertiliser sector and future green ammonia exports, the facility aligns with India’s clean energy transition strategy under the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, aimed at decarbonizing major ports by 2035.
Source: Maritime Gateway
3. Around 1 Lakh Tonnes of Basmati Rice Bound for Iran Stranded at Indian Ports
Due to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, approximately 100,000 tonnes of India’s basmati rice exports to Iran are stuck at Kandla and Mundra ports. The crisis, affecting nearly 18-20% of India’s exports to Iran, stems from a lack of available vessels and insurance coverage for cargo destined for Iran amid war-related risks. Exporters report domestic rice prices have already dropped by ₹4-₹5 per kg, and financial stress is mounting. A key meeting with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled for June 30 to address delays and payment issues.
Source: Maritime Gateway
4. India Restricts Land Imports of Bangladeshi Jute Products, Limits Access to Nhava Sheva Port
India has banned imports of select jute products, yarns, and woven fabrics from Bangladesh through all land border ports, permitting entry only via the Nhava Sheva seaport in Maharashtra. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued the directive on June 27, 2025, to counteract concerns over subsidized and dumped Bangladeshi goods undercutting India’s domestic jute industry. Exemptions remain for goods in transit to Nepal and Bhutan. This move may significantly impact cross-border trade logistics and costs for Bangladeshi exporters while boosting India’s domestic textile sector.
Source: India Shipping News
5. Car Carrier Morning Midas Sinks in North Pacific After Prolonged Fire
The cargo ship Morning Midas, carrying over 3,000 vehicles – including approximately 70 fully electric and 680 hybrid cars – caught fire on June 3 in the North Pacific, about 415 miles southwest of Adak, Alaska. All 22 crew members were safely evacuated and rescued by a nearby vessel. The fire-damaged ship eventually sank on June 23 due to structural failure, heavy weather, and water ingress, resting in waters over 5,000 m deep. No visible pollution has been reported so far, while salvage tugs and specialized response vessels monitor the site. The event highlights emerging risks associated with transporting EVs – particularly lithium-ion batteries – at sea.
Source: ET Infra
6. Eka Infra Celebrates International Yoga Day 2025 with Team Wellness Sessions
On June 24, 2025, Eka Infra marked International Yoga Day with a rejuvenating wellness session for its team. Activities included guided breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga postures focused on promoting mental clarity, stress relief, and a sense of mindfulness in the workplace. The initiative reflected the global theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, aligning with Eka Infra’s commitment to nurturing both employee well-being and corporate mindfulness.
