News Bulletin: May 2025 – Edition 2
1. India’s Transit Ban Disrupts Pakistan’s Exports, Leading to Port Congestion and Rising Costs
India’s recent ban on the transit of Pakistani cargo has led to significant disruptions in Pakistan’s export activities. Major shipping lines, including MSC and CMA CGM, are rerouting vessels away from Pakistani ports like Karachi and Qasim, causing a substantial backlog of export containers. To manage the situation, MSC has introduced a weekly feeder service via Colombo, while CMA CGM has imposed surcharges of up to $800 per container for certain routes. These changes are expected to increase shipping costs and consumer prices in Pakistan, further straining its economy. Industry representatives have criticized India’s move as a violation of international trade norms, warning of long-term impacts on Pakistan’s export sectors, particularly textiles.
Source: India Shipping News
2. India Elevates Maritime Security to MARSEC Level 2 Amid Regional Tensions
In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has raised maritime security at Indian ports, terminals, and on Indian-flagged vessels to MARSEC Level 2, indicating heightened security measures. This proactive step, aligned with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code under the SOLAS Convention, aims to bolster defenses against potential threats. The directive includes intensified monitoring and enhanced protective protocols. Additionally, India has banned Pakistani-flagged ships from its ports. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has reviewed key maritime projects to ensure uninterrupted cargo movement and maintain operational normalcy.
Source: Maritime Gateway
3. DP World Expands Asia Pacific Footprint with First Singapore Warehouse
DP World has inaugurated its first warehouse in Singapore – a 13,000 sqm bonded facility at Mapletree Benoi Logistics Hub – marking a significant milestone in its Asia Pacific expansion. This addition enhances DP World’s regional warehousing capacity to over 800,000 sqm, complementing existing facilities in Hong Kong and Incheon, South Korea. The warehouse aims to provide agile and reliable logistics solutions, leveraging Singapore’s strategic position as a key financial conduit between China and Southeast Asia. This move underscores DP World’s commitment to strengthening its integrated supply chain offerings across the region.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
4. Vizhinjam Port Expansion to Double Jobs by 2028, Boosting Local Employment
Vizhinjam Port in Kerala is undergoing major expansion, expected to double employment by 2028. The project will boost container handling capacity to 5 million annually and create demand for skilled roles like crane operators and technicians. Over 300 locals have already been trained, with more underway. While most workers are from Kerala, specialized roles may require talent from other regions. The expansion will also drive job growth in nearby logistics hubs and warehouses.
Source: ET Infra
5. Gautam Adani Ventures into Offshore Oil Drilling to Expand Marine Services
Gautam Adani is entering the offshore oil drilling rig sector to bolster Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd’s (APSEZ) marine services division. Targeting markets in the Middle East and Africa, APSEZ plans to acquire oil drilling rigs, utility boats, and anchor handling vessels, aiming to triple marine services revenue by 2027. This strategic move builds on APSEZ’s previous acquisitions, including Ocean Sparkle Ltd. and an 80% stake in Singapore-based Astro Offshore, enhancing its global offshore support capabilities. The expansion aligns with APSEZ’s goal to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its presence in the offshore energy sector.
Source: ET Infra
6. Charting a Greener Course: Maritime Infrastructure for LNG Bunkering
Eka Infra’s blog, “Charting a Greener Course: Maritime Infrastructure for LNG Bunkering,” emphasizes the pivotal role of LNG bunkering in achieving sustainable maritime operations. The article discusses the growing global adoption of LNG as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels, highlighting the environmental benefits and regulatory drivers behind this shift. It also outlines the infrastructure requirements for effective LNG bunkering, including storage facilities, supply chains, and safety protocols. Eka Infra advocates for strategic planning and investment in LNG infrastructure to facilitate the maritime industry’s transition towards greener energy solutions.
Source: Eka Infra
