“The central government has decided to relax cabotage for special vessels such as Roll-On Roll-Off (Ro-Ro), Hybrid Ro-Ro, Ro-Ro cum Passenger, Pure Car Carriers, Pure Car and Truck Carriers, LNG vessels and Over-Dimensional cargo or Project Cargo Carriers for a period of five years,” the Shipping Ministry said in a statement.

Vessel operators will be allowed to bring foreign flagged vessels of this category to ply on the coastal routes, it said.

“Such special vessels are in short supply in the country but since they cater to specific class of cargo, their availability will make it possible to shift cargo movement for these commodities from road and rail to coastal shipping,” it added.