The freight ship collision that led to the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, US, could have been a bigger catastrophe if not for the quick thinking by the 22-member Indian crew on board Dali. Sailors issued a Mayday call before the collision, allowing authorities to stop traffic on the bridge, preventing mass casualties. Dali is just one of many ships manned largely or wholly by Indian sailors. Global shipping, which carries over 90 percent of world goods trade by volume, will take a hit without Indian seafarers. A quick look at India’s contribution to the global economy: India ranks third among sailor-supplying nations and provides almost 10 percent of global seafarers. Less commuters: Rough patch for Kochi Water Metro? Kochi Water Metro (KWML) seems to be struggling to cater to the needs of the common public. Ridership data reveals that 13 AC boats across five routes in the Kochi backwaters attract tourists while the locals rely on state water transport department (SWTD) services and other modes of public transportation. On weekdays, the water metro ridership is around 3,000 passengers. It is being pointed out that the excessive waiting, low frequency of services, high ticket prices, lack of connection buses or taxi services from terminals, etc, are keeping common people away from using the Water Metro services. Meanwhile, KWML authorities said they expect ridership to increase once all the routes become operational. Cochin Shipyard signs agreement with US Navy Cochin Shipyard (CSL), a fully-owned govt company in Kochi which undertakes the manufacturing and repair of ships, has inked an agreement with the US Navy to repair its vessels. The US Navy has entered into a master shipyard repair agreement (MSRA) with CSL and the pact will help US Navy vessels in the Indian Ocean region to dock at CSL for repair works. CSL has been qualified for entering into MSRA after a detailed evaluation process and capability assessment by the US Navy – Military Sealift Command. The deal assumes significance as US Navy ships will now get access to an Indian port. Contact: Cochin Shipyard Website: www.cochinshipyard.in Vizhinjam Port bags ISPS code authorisation Vizhinjam International Port has successfully obtained the International Shipping and Port Security (ISPS) code, a crucial authorisation sanctioned by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) under the United Nations. With this, Vizhinjam Port aligns itself with international standards of security, ensuring a secure environment for maritime activities. This certification is mandatory for international ships to operate within its premises. Contact: Vizhinjam International Port Website: www.vizhinjamport.in Adani Ports buys 95 percent stake in Gopalpur Ports Gautam Adani-led Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has acquired a 95 percent stake in Gopalpur Ports from SP Port Maintenance and Orissa Stevedores in an all-cash deal for an enterprise value of Rs.30.8 billion, as India’s biggest private port operator bolsters its presence on India’s eastern coast. APSEZ bought the 56 percent stake held by SP Port Maintenance, a unit of Shapoorji Pallonji Group and the 39 percent held by Orissa Stevedores for an equity value of Rs.13.49 billion. The location of Gopalpur Port will allow unprecedented access to mining hubs of Odisha and neighbouring states and help expand the hinterland logistics footprint. Contact: Adani Ports Website: www.adaniports.com