India to mandate pre-arranged contracts for faster marine disaster response

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) is proposing a new framework that would require domestic and foreign ships operating in Indian waters to have pre-arranged agreements with empanelled salvage companies. The measure, aimed at improving disaster preparedness and cutting response times during shipwrecks, oil spills, and other marine incidents, will form part of the upcoming Merchant Shipping Bill 2025.

Currently, salvage firms are appointed only after an incident, causing delays. Under the proposal, ships calling at Indian ports or transiting coastal waters must have contracts with salvage providers capable of mobilising within 12 hours. Empanelment will be open to Indian firms and foreign companies in joint ventures with local partners. Similar requirements already exist in the US, which mandates oil spill response plans for vessels.

The move follows recent accidents, including the listing of the Liberian-flagged MSC Elsa and a fire aboard MV Wan Hai. The initiative addresses challenges such as limited high-powered tug availability and delays caused by cost negotiations.

Marking its 75th anniversary, the DGS also announced measures to enhance stakeholder collaboration, reduce maritime accidents, and expand training. In 2024, 186 safety incidents were reported in Indian waters—108 non-operational and 78 “marine casualties” such as collisions, fires, and explosions. The agency has set a goal of zero incidents from negligence or violations by 2047.