The Directorate General of Shipping has constituted a 40-member advisory board, comprising officials from the shipping ministry, Shipping Corporation of India, Indian Maritime University and other industry stakeholders, to address “issues and challenges” facing the sector. It also includes creating a strategy to deal with “geopolitical challenges” that include maritime security and international relations.
The Committee is mandated to work on issues relating to fleet modernization (dealing with aging ships, technological upgradation in the fleet etc.), infrastructure development â ââincluding port development and modernisation; Look into issues of better logistics connectivity â and access to capital.
According to the Ministry of Shipping, India’s merchant shipping fleet consists of about 1,500 ships with a gross tonnage of 14 million tonnes (mt). The average age of the fleet is approximately 18 years. Nearly two-thirds of India’s domestic flagged ships are engaged in coastal shipping, sources said
The advisory board will also consider ways to compete with global competition by working on subsidies and incentives, among other things. It will look into suggestions on manpower training and skills and review green shipping policies.
India is the third largest provider of seafarers worldwide after China and the Philippines, representing 9.35 per cent of the global seafaring population. The country’s market share in the ship breaking industry is around 30 per cent, with Gujarat’s Alang facility being the largest facility globally.
In total, there are sixteen broad points â including interacting with “key advisors” in case of tech-driven initiatives; Take the lead in representing India in international maritime conferences and also advise on the approach to be adopted in international forums.
âBuilding a strong, modern and competitive maritime industry requires coordinated efforts by the government, private sector and international partners. The future of Indiaâs maritime sector depends on its ability to adapt to technological advances, regulatory changes and global market dynamics while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth,â said an order by DG-Shipping issued earlier this month. Was.
DG Shipping is an attached office of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and deals with all executive matters relating to merchant shipping.
appointment of maritime experts
The order also provides for the appointment of subject experts who will assist the advisory board. At present there are eight such experts who have been appointed.
“The advisory board may further include additional experts such as technical experts, legal experts and international consultants, etc. as required to strengthen the advisory pool,” the order said.
