INMEX SMM India 2025 – Advancing coastal shipping reforms

MUMBAI : The Directorate General of Shipping participated in INMEX SMM India 2025 (10–12 September, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai), where Shri Ravi Kumar Moka, SS-cum-Deputy Director General (Coastal Shipping), addressed Day 2, Session 1 and spoke on “Coastal Shipping: Government Policies & Framework” under the theme “Coastal Shipping 2.0 – Transforming India’s Maritime Trade.”

The session highlighted how recent policy reforms, digital initiatives, and financial interventions are strengthening India’s coastal shipping ecosystem — supporting the ambitious goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Coastal Shipping Act 2025 – Key Highlights

Received the assent of the Hon’ble President of India on 9 August 2025, modernizing outdated coastal trade regulations.
Simplifies licensing for Indian vessels, introduces a clear framework for foreign vessels, and will soon be backed by a digital licensing portal.
Mandates creation of a National Database for Coastal Shipping (NDCS).
A National Coastal & Inland Shipping Strategic Plan shall be prepared and updated every two years.

Policy Drivers for Growth

Maritime Development Fund with blended finance to boost Indian tonnage, shipbuilding, multimodal connectivity, and port-linked infrastructure while de-risking private investment.
Fleet Modernization: Addressing the challenge of an ageing fleet (nearly 50% of vessels 20+ years old).
Right of First Refusal (RoFR): Prioritising Indian-built and Indian-flagged vessels.
Tax incentives at IFSC, GIFT City to strengthen shipping finance and leasing.
Integration focus: Linking coastal shipping, inland waterways, and ports for multimodal efficiency.

Reflections from INMEX SMM 2025
The forum offered a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, technology providers, and port authorities, with key discussions on shipbuilding, ship repair, green shipping, modal shift, and sustainability.
India, with its 11,098 km coastline, is strategically positioned to scale up coastal shipping — enhancing supply chain resilience, reducing logistics costs, and driving sustainable maritime growth.

The DG Shipping remains committed to enabling these reforms to translate into real action on the ground — delivering more coastal services, higher Indian tonnage, better port utilisation, and long-term alignment with Viksit Bharat 2047.