Special Secretary reviews key maritime Initiatives at DG Shipping Headquarters

By Admin

06 Dec, 2025

India’s maritime governance received a strategic push as Rajesh Kumar Sinha, IAS, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) headquarters to assess progress on several critical initiatives. The review underlines the government’s focus on strengthening regulatory systems, improving global rankings, and enhancing operational efficiencies across the maritime ecosystem.

Review of Merchant Shipping Rules Consolidation

A key agenda of the meeting was evaluating the ongoing consolidation and drafting of the Merchant Shipping Rules. This long-term reform aims to modernise maritime regulations, streamline compliance frameworks, and ensure alignment with global maritime standards. The Special Secretary emphasised the urgency of completing the consolidation to support safer, more transparent, and future-ready shipping operations in India.

Paris MoU Grey List Preparedness

India’s performance in the upcoming Paris MoU Grey List assessment formed another important point of discussion. The review focused on the nation’s preparedness, inspection protocols, and corrective strategies to boost its standing in the global port state control regime. Strengthening vessel compliance and improving inspection outcomes were identified as top priorities to enhance India’s maritime reputation on the international stage.

Enhancing Training Slot Utilisation

Sinha also evaluated measures to optimise training slot utilisation, which remains vital for India’s maritime capacity building. Better utilisation of training institutions, improved course planning, and enhanced seafarer skill development initiatives were highlighted as areas that will directly contribute to building a more competent and globally competitive maritime workforce.

Budget Expenditure for FY 2025–26

The Special Secretary assessed budget expenditure planning for the third and fourth quarters of FY 2025–26, ensuring strong financial alignment with the Ministry’s upcoming programmes. This review is expected to help streamline fund allocation, support transformative reforms, and accelerate the execution of key projects aimed at strengthening the maritime sector.

Driving Regulatory and Operational Excellence

The discussions at DG Shipping provided clear strategic direction aimed at fast-tracking regulatory reforms, boosting operational efficiency, and reinforcing institutional capacity. With focused leadership and timely interventions, the Ministry is gearing up to enhance India’s global maritime competitiveness and support the nation’s long-term shipping and logistics ambitions.