Indian maritime stakeholders raised concerns about a national maritime policy that mandates the retirement of aging ships, warning it could lead to thousands of jobs lost and could increase foreign control over its trade, reports Maritime Gateway.
The Mumbai-based International Maritime Federation (IMF), an association of crewing agencies and training institutes, has criticized the restrictions as a severe threat to Indian shipping. Federation leaders have stated to local media that these limits could remove around 700 ships from India’s fleet, primarily affecting coastal and offshore trades and potentially cost 20,000 Indian seafarers their jobs.
Introduced in 2023, India’s age restriction rule aims to enhance safety and reduce emissions by prohibiting Indian shipowners from acquiring vessels older than 20 years and banning cargo shipping on tankers, bulkers and freighters over 25 years old.
However, the Shipping Ministry announced a comprehensive review of the policy in 2024, admitting it had not conducted a cost-benefit analysis prior to enforcement.
As reported, the Federation also accused the Directorate General of Shipping of exercising overly strict oversight of crewing agents, imposing harsh penalties and heavy fines without offering opportunities for appeal.
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Source: Maritime Gateway
