Indian firms look to Dutch Royal IHC in order to explore deep sea mineral deposits
Two sources have confirmed that Indian mining and cement firms approached Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC to ask for assistance in preparing bids for deep sea mineral blocks. India held its first auction of 13 deep-sea offshore mineral blocks in November. These included three construction sand and lime mud blocks as well as seven polymetallic blocks. The blocks are rich in minerals such as cobalt and copper. They also contain manganese and nickel which is vital for solar panels and electric vehicles.
India’s NUSI Warns of Oil Exploration Training Shortage
Indian shipping trade union the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) has asked the Indian Ministry of Shipping for financial help toward the training of maritime workforce in oil exploration activities. The union’s General Secretary, Abdulgani Serang, said NUSI has requested financial aid and incentives from the Ministry through National Shipping Board for training the maritime workforce at NUSI Offshore Training Institute (NOTI), currently operated by NUSI-ITF Trust.
