India’s vessel age limit may result in the loss of 20,000 jobs

A national maritime policy that would compel the retirement of aged ships has raised concerns among Indian maritime players, who say it would result in the loss of thousands of jobs and give foreign vessels more control over coastwise trade. In 2023, India’s age restriction law was published. It forbids Indian shipowners from purchasing the majority of tonnage that is older than 20 years, and it forbids Indian cargo from being transported on tankers, bulkers, and freighters that are older than 25 years in order to promote safety and lower emissions.

The shipping ministry acknowledged that it had not carried out a cost-benefit analysis prior to enforcing the age limitations and promised that a comprehensive review of the policy would begin. The age restrictions pose a major risk to Indian shipping, according to the Mumbai-based International Maritime Federation, an Indian network of crewing firms and training facilities unaffiliated with the International Maritime Organization.

According to the federation’s leaders, the limits imposed by the Directorate General of Shipping could result in the loss of 20,000 Indian sailors’ jobs and the removal of 700 ships from India’s fleet, primarily in coastal and offshore trades. According to the federation, the directorate also employs harsh punishments and hefty fines without any chance of appeal when it comes to overseeing crewing agents.