In alignment with Government of India’s visionary Skill India mission and strengthening the country’s maritime prowess, APM Terminals Pipavav (GPPL), has taken a pivotal step by launching the intensive ‘Future Leaders – Foundation Programme’ in partnership with Maersk Training and Gujarat Maritime University (GMU). This programme revolutionises maritime learning through immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences. Maersk Training will showcase its award-winning – Best use of AI/AR/VR in learning and upskilling capabilities, underscoring GPPL’s commitment to a highly skilled maritime workforce.Contact: APM Terminals PipavavWebsite: www.apmterminals.comJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to fund Vadhavan Port?The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held talks with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to fund the planned mega port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. Earlier, Power Finance Corporation offered to underwrite the entire debt of `272 billion for construction of the port that will be designed to handle some 298 million tonnes of cargo a year (including 24.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units or TEUs) with an investment of RS.762 billion. The new port will be developed by Vadhavan Port Project, a joint venture between JNPA and Maharashtra Maritime Board.Contact: Japan International Cooperation AgencyWebsite: www.jica.go.jpCoast Guard and Jindal Steel ink MoU for indigenous shipbuilding projectsThe Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Jindal Steel and Power (JSP) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to bolster the supply of indigenous marine-grade steel for shipbuilding projects. The MoU underscores the commitment of both entities to boost indigenisation efforts and enhance use of marine-grade steel in domestic shipbuilding. Key provisions of the MoU include specifications regarding the quality, grades and dimensions of marine-grade steel. These measures are set to ensure a timely and high-quality supply of marine-grade steel for the Indian Coast Guard’s shipbuilding endeavours.  Contact: Jindal Steel and PowerWebsite: www.jindalsteelpower.com  AC electric-hybrid Kochi water metro begins operationsThe beginning of AC electric-hybrid ferries in Kochi was one of the most-awaited events. The commencement of the Kochi water metro service, linking the High Court with the newly completed Fort Kochi, marked a milestone. The iconic inauguration was witnessed by thousands of people. Fort Kochi is an important tourism hub, with ferries that operate every 20 to 30 minutes between 7 am and7 pm, offering convenient access for travellers. Priced at Rs.40 per person, the ticket ensures affordable transportation across this scenic route.  Vizhinjam Port gets ministry nod to runIndia's first trans-shipment operationsThe Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port has received the shipping ministry’s approval to operate as India’s first trans-shipment port. Current regulations require the ministry’s nod to prevent competing projects from being permitted before capacity at operational ports is saturated. This approval paves the way for customs to set up an office at Vizhinjam port. It will be India’s first full-fledged deepwater trans-shipment port. In a trans-shipment port cargo from one ship is transferred to another ship on the way to its final destination. The goal was to complete the `77 billion deepwater seaport project by 2019. It is now expected to start operations in this financial year. It is estimated that nearly 75 per cent of India’s trans-shipment cargo is handled at ports outside the country.  Contact: Adani GroupWebsite: www.adani.com