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Recent Highlights in Maritime Education and Training
On November 22, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), successfully conducted a symposium focused on Underwater Welding, Offshore Repair, and Additive Manufacturing. This significant event was attended by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, who emphasized the importance of skill development in the maritime sector.
Underwater Welding Programme
The symposium featured the distribution of certificates for the second batch of the Underwater Welding (UWW) Programme, a pioneering initiative aimed at training professionals in underwater welding, a critical skill for offshore repair and subsea construction. This program is unique in India and reflects IRS’s commitment to enhancing capabilities in emerging technical domains.
Goals and Objectives
The primary objective of the UWW Programme is to develop a skilled workforce capable of performing underwater welding with precision and reliability. Despite the challenges inherent in mastering this specialized field, IRS expresses confidence that these obstacles can be overcome through dedicated training and innovation.
Collaboration Between Academia and Industry
Dr. Asokendu Samanta, Divisional Head of R&D at IRS, highlighted the necessity of collaboration between academic institutions and industry bodies to foster national progress. He stated, “For a country to advance, academia and industry must work together seamlessly.” This partnership between IIT Guwahati and IRS serves as a model for developing specialized programs that are relevant on a national scale.
Strengthening Underwater Engineering Capabilities
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, remarked that the UWW Programme represents a significant step forward in enhancing India’s underwater engineering capabilities. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) as articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
Industry News and Developments
Digitalisation in Maritime
As the maritime industry evolves, digitalisation plays a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency. Recent advancements include:
- Xsight Labs X2 Switch: This next-generation technology is designed to enable Starlink satellites to deliver gigabit connectivity.
- MACN Anti-Corruption Initiative: The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network has launched a major initiative in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Germany, supported by the Siemens Integrity Initiative.
Acquisitions and Growth Strategies
In a move to accelerate growth, ZCG-backed Unimed has acquired Elssi Maritime Services. This acquisition is expected to enhance Unimed’s offerings by adding specialized testing services to its global maritime compliance portfolio.
Addressing Workplace Issues
As the maritime sector diversifies and globalizes, the need for effective sexual harassment awareness training has become paramount. Ensuring a safe and respectful workplace is essential for the wellbeing of all personnel involved in maritime operations.
Investments in Sustainable Shipping
Hapag-Lloyd has made headlines by ordering eight new dual-fuel methanol container ships, with deliveries expected in 2028 and 2029. This investment, amounting to over USD 500 million, underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices.
Global Maritime Challenges
After several years of relative calm, piracy activity off the coast of Somalia has surged since late October. This resurgence highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the maritime industry in ensuring safe passage for vessels in high-risk areas.
Market Insights
According to the annual review from Clarksons Research, the seaborne car trade is projected to grow by 8% in 2025, with an estimated 32 million cars expected to be transported via maritime routes. This growth reflects the increasing demand for efficient car carrier services.
Financial Outlook
The Swedish Club has received a positive outlook upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, affirming its ‘BBB+’ rating. This reflects the organization’s strengthened capital base and sustained performance improvements, positioning it favorably in the maritime insurance market.
Logistics Trends
In light of the prolonged U.S.-China conflict, Korean companies are advised to diversify their logistics hubs to Southeast Asia and India. This strategic shift aims to mitigate risks associated with reliance on traditional logistics routes.
Leadership Changes
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has unanimously appointed Dr. Noel Hacegaba as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, signaling a new era of leadership for one of the busiest ports in the United States.
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Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest news and developments in the maritime industry as of December 2025.
