Goa-based Synergy Shipbuilders has secured a $20 million contract from Tanzania’s Zanzibar Shipping Corporation to build two high-speed crafts, each with a 650-passenger capacity. The 53-metre aluminium catamarans, designed by Dutch firm Coco Yachts, will reach speeds of 40 knots in waves up to 4 metres. Classified by RINA and complying with IMOHSC- 2000 regulations, the vessels will fly the Zanzibar flag. Built at a two-acre site allocated by Mumbai Port Authority, the crafts are due for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.Contact: Synergy ShipbuildersWebsite: www.synergyshipbuilders.comTel: 0832 253 8154Feeder Service To Connect Vizhinjam Terminal With HaldiaCompany S.A., the world’s largest container shipping line, has launched a feeder service linking Haldia Dock Complex with Adani Ports’ newly opened container transshipment terminal at Vizhinjam, Kerala. Previously, containers for Kolkata or Haldia trade were transshipped via Colombo. This service, operating every ten days, is the first between an Indian gateway port and Vizhinjam since India built its transshipment facility to reduce reliance on Colombo. The ‘Haldia Shuttle’ will also stop at Paradip port.Contact: Mediterranean Shipping CompanyWebsite: www.msc.comEmail: info@msc.comJNPA Invites Bids For Automated Empty ContainerThe Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has invited bids from private firms to develop and operate an automated empty container yard on a 26.20-hectare site near Sawarkhar Village, 20-25 km from Navi Mumbai. This 30-year lease project aims to improve infrastructure and trade efficiency. The yard will handle, store, and repair empty ISO containers to enhance the port’s exportimport potential. The successful bidder must establish an automated storage system with a capacity of 25,000 TEUs within two years, growing to 100,000 TEUs in five years.Contact: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)Website: www.jnport.gov.inPipavav and Cochin Shipyard Eyes Four Icebreaker ShipsSwan Energy-promoted Reliance Naval and Engineering Ltd (RNEL) and state-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd are in advanced talks with Russia to build two non-nuclear icebreaker ships for Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company ROSATOM. The deal, worth over `40 billion, aims to support Russia’s Northern Sea Route (NSR) development plan. Icebreakers play a vital role in crisis response in ice-covered waters, and Russia seeks to use the NSR as an alternative shipping route.ITD Cementation Bags Rs.16.48 Billion Vadhvan Port ContractITD Cementation India Ltd, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, is set to secure a `16.48 billion (bn) ($198 million) contract for nearshore reclamation and shore protection works at the proposed Vadhvan mega port in Maharashtra. The company emerged as the lowest bidder, 6.89 per cent lower than the Rs17.70 bn estimate by Vadhvan Port Project Ltd (VPPL). The project, designed to handle 298 million tonne of cargo annually, will be built on 1,448 ha of reclaimed land. ITD Cementation outbid competitors, and the basic infrastructure for the port, estimated at Rs 389.76 bn, includes dredging, reclamation, and rail-road connectivity.Contact: ITD Cementation India LtdWebsite: www.itdcem.co.in