News
India recently relaxed its cabotage restrictions, allowing foreign-flag ships to transport transshipment (T/S) and empty containers on domestic routes. Having reviewed Section 407(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, the nation’s Ministry of Shipping opened its door on May 21 to let foreign-flagged containerships carry T/S export and import and unloaded containers between domestic ports even if they do not have a license granted by the director general of shipping.
The cabotage restrictions were, however, eased with some conditions, including (1) that bills of lading (B/Ls) must be issued for moving T/S containers between Indian ports, and (2) that loaded T/S containers must be shipped from and discharged at Indian ports. It is also required to submit relevant information in designated formats by email to the director general of shipping no later than 24 hours prior to departure from domestic ports.
