DG Shipping showcases India’s regulatory and digital transformation at key forum
Nov 12, 2025
Highlights DGS Chartering and Licensing Portal, among other initiatives
Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, participated in a landmark panel discussion at the Blue Economy & Investment Forum during India Maritime Week 2025, held at GIFT IFSC. The session on “Developing Local Capability for Global Opportunities: Building a Ship Ownership, Flagging, and Leasing Hub in IFSC” featured distinguished international maritime executives from CMA CGM, Maersk, Standard Chartered Bank and Norton Rose Fulbright.
DG Shipping outlined India’s comprehensive maritime regulatory modernisation through the Merchant Shipping Act 2025 and Coastal Shipping Act 2025. He emphasised the flexible ownership framework under Sections 14 and 15, which permits foreign participation up to 49% while maintaining substantial Indian ownership at 51%, enabling joint ventures and international institutional investment in Indian-flagged vessels.
A key highlight was the revolutionary Bareboat Charter-cum-Demise (BBCD) model under Section 16, which allows dual-flagging arrangements enabling GIFT IFSC entities to charter foreign vessels under Indian flag with just 20-25% down payments while protecting international lender mortgages. DG also discussed the Coastal Shipping Act 2025’s elimination of licensing requirements for Indian-flagged vessels, significantly enhancing ease of doing business.
He showcased the newly launched DGS Chartering and Licensing Portal, operational since September 22, 2025, which reduces approval timelines from weeks to 3-5 business days through fully digital processing. Additionally, Section 17 provisions enabling temporary registration of recycling-bound vessels were highlighted, strengthening India’s position as the world’s leading ship recycling hub.
The DG emphasised how these reforms integrate with GIFT IFSC’s fiscal advantages—100% tax exemption, zero GST and Right of First Refusal benefits—positioning India to attract billions in international maritime capital while advancing Maritime India Vision 2030 and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives, highlighted a communique.
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