Bangladesh, known as the "land of rivers," relies heavily on its vast inland water transport system for freight and passenger movement. With over 700 rivers, canals, and streams spanning approximately 24,000 kilometres, IWT remains a vital part of the economy. However, navigability is seasonal—about 6,000 kilometres are usable during the monsoon, shrinking to around 3,900 kilometres in the dry season. Recent infrastructure developments, such as the Padma Bridge, have begun to shift transportation dynamics, impacting the traditional dominance of riverine transport.

When the Suez Canal was blocked in 2021, it highlighted the fragility of global trade routes. However, the Malacca Strait—just 25 miles wide between Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia—is even more critical. Over 27.9% of global merchandise by value passes through this narrow passage, far surpassing the 16.6% that transits the Suez Canal, according to Duke University’s Professor Lincoln Pratson. Any disruption here could cripple global commerce, underscoring the immense strategic and economic importance of this key maritime chokepoint.

Government-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd, a leading Indian shipbuilder, is gearing up to join the global big league with strong budgetary backing and international tech partnerships. CSL’s Chairman and MD, Madhu S Nair, is optimistic about the ₹25,000 crore allocation to the Maritime Development Fund and the revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0) announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. These measures, combined with collaborations with overseas shipbuilding giants, are expected to accelerate CSL’s push into large merchant ship construction and strengthen India’s maritime ambitions.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India has achieved a key milestone in cargo movement, with traffic rising from 18.10 MMT in FY-14 to 145.5 MMT in FY-25, marking a CAGR of 20.86%. FY-25 saw a 9.34% year-on-year growth. Operational waterways increased from 24 to 29, and over 68% of cargo comprised coal, iron ore, sand, and fly ash. The 2025 regulations aim to boost private investment in jetties via a streamlined digital NOC system. IWAI’s efforts continue to strengthen inland water transport nationwide.

Crowley’s new LNG-fueled Avance class containership Quetzal has officially launched its inaugural commercial voyage, marking a new era of faster, more frequent ocean shipping for the U.S., Central America, and the Dominican Republic. Designed for versatility, Quetzal can carry up to 1,400 TEUs, including 300 refrigerated containers, ideal for transporting perishables, retail goods, and essential cargo. Chartered from Eastern Pacific Shipping, Quetzal is the first of four Avance class ships, purpose-built to enhance efficiency and sustainability in regional trade routes.