A Bill that seeks to promote coastal trade and encourage increased participation of Indian-flagged vessels owned and operated by Indian citizens for national security and commercial needs was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday
The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, calls for the prohibition of trade in the coastal water without licence by vessels other than Indian vessels and permitting Inland vessels to engage in coastal trading subject to certain conditions.
Further, it seeks to empower the Director-General to issue licence after taking into consideration certain factors including citizenship of the crew and building requirements of the vessel in order to create jobs for Indian seafarers and to promote shipbuilding in the country.
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The Bill intends to create a national database of coastal shipping so as to ensure transparency of procedures and aid in information sharing. It provides preparation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan for development, growth and promotion of coastal shipping.
According to the Bill, no licence granted shall be suspended, revoked or modified, unless it has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
India's vast coastline of around 7,500 km and proximity to important global shipping routes offer the country vast opportunities in coastal shipping. Maritime transportation, particularly coastal shipping, is cheaper compared to other modes of transportation.
