AsiaRegulatory

New Delhi studying cabotage changes

Mumbai: In a move bound to excite foreign shipowners, New Delhi has confirmed it is studying changing its cabotage laws, which date back to 1958.

It is currently mandatory that shippers select Indian ships for transporting cargo between the country’s ports. Foreign ships are allowed to operate only at times when Indian ships are not available.

While many local manufacturers will welcome greater competition in coastal trade, the nation’s shipowning association is expected to petition the government to keep the current status quo. Moreover, the shipowning body has recently called for 50% of all state-run companies’ cargoes to be shipped on Indian-flagged ships.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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