New Delhi, Oct 30 (UNI) Since the Indian shipping sector has been growing and evolving rapidly, the Shipping Ministry on Friday sought suggestions from the stakeholders and general public on the draft Coastal Shipping Bill, 2020.
The Ministry has drafted a Coastal Shipping Bill, 2020 in lieu of part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 which has included the best shipping practice in the world.
Under the draft Costal Shipping Bill 2020, the definition of coastal shipping and coastal waters has been expanded further whereas it intends to do away with the requirement of trading licence for Indian flag vessels for coastal trade.
Similarly, the proposed Bill seeks to reduce transportation costs by creating a competitive environment while encouraging Indian vessels to increase their share in coastal shipping.
It also proposes the integration of coastal maritime transport with inland waterways and also proposes to create National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan.
The draft bill is uploaded on the Ministry of Shipping’s website, the citizens can submit their suggestions and opinions regarding the draft bill to ‘coastalshipping2020@gmail.com’ latest by November 6, 2020
UNI AKS SHK2200