Maritime news . Week 53
India Wins Omani Navy Ship Deal
India’s SDHI won a contract to build a naval training ship for Oman’s Royal Navy. The 104 m, 3,500-ton vessel will be delivered within 18 months. It will feature AI-enabled systems, advanced communications and helicopter capability, accommodating 70 cadets. The deal highlights India’s rise as a global shipbuilding and MRO hub. It also strengthens India–Oman defence ties.
https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/indias...
Bauxite Surge Reshapes Dry Bulk
Global aluminium production has nearly tripled since 2000, reaching 73.8m tonnes in 2025. Seaborne bauxite trade hit a record 246.6m tonnes, up 21% year-on-year. China controls ~60% of aluminium output and takes 88% of seaborne bauxite imports, dominating bulk demand. Guinea (73%) and Australia (18%) supply over 90% of global bauxite exports. Bauxite flows are now a key tonne-mile driver for dry bulk shipping.
https://splash247.com/bauxite-booms-as-aluminium-output-triples-since-2000/
Rex Starts Offshore Oman Drilling
Rex International has secured the jackup rig Energy Emerger for development drilling at the Yumna field offshore Oman. Operations are scheduled to start in March 2026 with three new production wells to boost output and extend field life. The 2017-built high-spec rig was previously used in Rex’s 2024 drilling campaign. Block 50 is fully operated by Rex and located near the port of Duqm. The programme targets higher oil flow rates and longer field longevity.
https://splash247.com/rex-lines-up-jackup-rig-offs...
Seafarers Leaving Industry at Scale
A World Maritime University survey found that nearly 50% of seafarers plan to quit within five years due to workload and stress. Average working hours reach 71 per week, rising to 79 for US seafarers. Around one-third report severe stress, while many indicate poor mental health. Crews criticise safety management systems as unrealistic and paperwork-heavy. WMU warns of a looming crewing and safety crisis without urgent reforms.