India is developing Inland Waterway Transport over the Brahmaputra River, with a ship repair facility being constructed at Pandu as part of the project. This initiative, in collaboration with Bangladesh, aims to enhance connectivity along Indo-Bangladesh protocol routes and boost inland navigation in the Northeast. The facility, set to be completed by 2025, will allow local vessels to avoid repairs in Kolkata. The project is expected to lower transportation costs, facilitate larger shipments, and boost trade between India and Bangladesh, benefiting the Northeast region's economy.

Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization Managing Director, Ali Akbar Safaei, announced that India is now operating the first phase of the Chabahar port development in southeastern Iran. The $120 million project, with $85 million already transferred, marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. The agreement between India Ports Global Ltd and Iran includes equipping and operating the freight and container terminals at Shahid Beheshti Port. The project aims to enhance India's connectivity with Central Asia and the International North-South Transport Corridor, bypassing Pakistan.

The Coastal Shipping Bill has faced criticism for imposing excessive control over the hiring of foreign-flag ships, which exporters and importers believe will increase transaction costs and reduce the competitiveness of exports. The Bill requires Indian entities, including citizens and companies, to obtain a license to charter foreign-flag ships for operations both along the coast and for international trade. Critics argue that this hampers the ability of Indian firms to efficiently conduct global commodity trading. However, government officials maintain that these provisions mirror existing regulations under the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958.

South Korean shipping giant HMM is re-entering Transatlantic trade with the launch of the Transatlantic 1 service in collaboration with Ocean Network Express. The service, set to begin in February 2025, will connect North Europe with the US West Coast, marking HMM's return to the trade after 2018. The service will have a 10-week turnaround time, with ports including Southampton, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Miami, and Los Angeles. HMM is also launching the INX service, connecting Western India to Northern Europe, starting in February 2025.

Ocean Network Express is launching a new Indian Ocean Express service to connect India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan with North Europe. The service will also feature a transshipment option via Colombo for East India and Bangladesh customers. The inaugural voyage from Nhava Sheva to North Europe will begin on 5th February 2025 aboard the Hyundai Oakland. Due to security concerns in the Red Sea, IOX will operate via the Cape of Good Hope, with a service rotation including Karachi, Hazira, Mundra, Colombo, London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp.