Seeking comments on a draft change to Indian cabotage rules
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) states that the Ministry of Shipping seeks comments on a draft change to Indian cabotage rules. Comments should be received by 13 July.
Cabotage means reserving coastal trade for national flag vessels. Cabotage restrictions are applicable in most countries to protect the domestic shipping industry from foreign competition as well as for the purpose of national security.
With the objective to (i) increase aggregation of EXIM container cargo and Empties on East coast of India, so that ports get higher proportion of gateway traffic, and, (ii) increase coastal traffic movement through specialized vessels such as Ro-Ro, Hybrid Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax, Pure Car Carriers, Pure Car & Truck Carriers, LNG vessels and Over-Dimensional Cargo or Project Cargo Carriers which are in short supply in India, the Ministry of Shipping has prepared a draft policy note on relaxation of cabotage restrictions which is appended.
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