MUMBAI : The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, has signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR_Official) establishing a strategic partnership to strengthen legal and academic support in the maritime domain. Under this MoU, NALSAR will provide institutional support to DGS in key areas including : Drafting and legal vetting of maritime legislation, subordinate rules, and regulations under the Merchant Shipping Act and allied frameworks;
Preparation of legal briefs, pleadings, affidavits, and advisory opinions; Support in litigation management and case coordination at various judicial forums;
Structured capacity-building initiatives such as legal training programs, workshops, and knowledge sessions for DGS officials; Legal research and policy analysis on emerging global maritime challenges such as decarbonization, digital shipping, and international treaty compliance.
The engagement spans a period of three years, extendable by mutual consent, and includes the deployment of eight legal consultants at DGS headquarters, supported remotely by senior faculty members from NALSAR. A comprehensive Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) has also been signed to ensure confidentiality of sensitive legal documents and international negotiation materials exchanged during the partnership.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the legal acumen and institutional readiness of India’s maritime administration, aligning national practices with international maritime standards and strengthening regulatory governance.
