India readies a sea change for domestic shipping as well as global shipping through key bills

These key legislations are aimed at holistic growth of Coastal Shipping and reducing the compliance burden for ships under the Indian flag.

“The Merchant Shipping Bill deals with implementation of India’s obligations under various International Conventions and technical aspects maritime and shipping sector’s regulations. Coastal Shipping Bill will focus on domestic commercial and trade aspects of coastal shipping in India,” a senior government official told ET.

According to officials aware of the proposals, there was no separate legislation to exclusively focus on the overall development, growth and promotion of coasting trade. This is despite India having a long 7,500-kilometre coastline. “Our Modal Share of Coastal Shipping of about 6% is still very meagre as compared to other maritime nations,” the official said while adding that a low modal share of coastal shipping has significant implications on increased congestion and pollution levels on key land-based trade routes and high logistic costs.