Urals freight rates to India accelerate in October amid high exports, tighter sanctions, sources say

In October, the shipping costs for Urals crude from Russia to India escalated sharply, propelled by fresh sanctions from the US and EU that have significantly affected Russian oil producers and transportation. While export volumes remained robust, driving freight rates higher, Greek shipowners have begun scaling back their involvement in the market.

Draft rules for autonomous vessels have been proposed, allowing inland waterway operations without onboard crew, subject to remote monitoring and shore-based support. Vessel owners will be liable for accidents. Semi-autonomous vessels will require minimum crew presence, with manning determined by risk-based assessments considering automation levels and operational factors.

An international vote to approve a global carbon pricing system for maritime emissions was delayed by a year after the United States threatened sanctions against supporting countries. The London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) postponed the decision following opposition from the US and some oil-producing nations, citing economic concerns.

India Post is set to introduce guaranteed mail and parcel delivery services with 24-hour and 48-hour timelines, starting in January. This initiative aims to significantly reduce current delivery times for parcels and enhance international postal services. The government is transforming India Post into a profit center by 2029.

In a groundbreaking development, CMA CGM, the French maritime powerhouse, has set a precedent by commissioning six liquefied natural gas-powered ships from Cochin Shipyard Limited in India. This marks a significant milestone as it’s the first instance of the global shipping leader constructing vessels on Indian soil.

India is set to pour approximately Rs 80 lakh crore into its maritime sector by 2047, as outlined in the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This ambitious plan aims to bolster national maritime strength, with a significant portion of projects already completed or in progress. A new cargo berth is also being developed at New […]

Cochin Shipyard Ltd has secured a significant order from a European client for the design and construction of six LNG-powered feeder container vessels. Each vessel will have a capacity of approximately 1,700 TEUs. The order, valued at over Rs 2,000 crore, was formalized with a letter of intent signed on October 14, 2025.

CMA CGM, a global container carrier, has signed a letter of intent with Cochin Shipyard for six LNG-powered box ships, marking India’s first major container ship order. Chairman Rodolphe Saade views India as an “alternative” to China and South Korea for such construction, praising Prime Minister Modi’s business acumen.

India is establishing a federal Transport Planning Authority to coordinate infrastructure projects across aviation, highways, shipping, rail, and urban planning. This move aims to curb wasteful spending, improve project viability, and avoid delays, drawing inspiration from international models.

Three major Indian port authorities – Deendayal, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Paradip – have been formally recognized as Green Hydrogen Hubs. This initiative aligns with the nation’s net-zero goals by 2070, fostering industrial participation and investment in clean fuel technologies through a cluster-based development model.