Coastal Shipping Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha

On 2nd December 2024, the Coastal Shipping Bill, aimed at promoting Indian-flagged vessels for coastal trade and enhancing maritime security, was introduced in the Lok Sabha amidst opposition protests.

Key Points

Promoting Indian Vessels: The Bill seeks to restrict coastal trade to Indian-flagged vessels operated by Indian citizens and allows inland vessels to participate under specific conditions.
Licensing Framework: It empowers the Director-General to issue trade licenses, considering crew citizenship and vessel-building requirements, to generate jobs for Indian seafarers and promote shipbuilding.
National Database: The Bill proposes creating a National Database of coastal shipping for transparency and efficient information sharing.
Strategic Planning: It mandates the preparation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan for the development and growth of the sector.
Fair Procedures: Provisions ensure licenses cannot be suspended, revoked, or modified without a fair hearing process.
Cost Efficiency of Coastal Shipping: Highlighting India’s 7,500 km coastline, the Bill underscores coastal shipping's cost advantage over other transport modes and its potential for boosting maritime trade.
Outdated Legislation: It aims to replace outdated laws like the Coasting Vessel Act, 1838, and address regulatory inconsistencies between mechanised and non-mechanised vessels.