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Union Cabinet News

06 Feb 2020

India Approves $9Bn Deepsea Port Plan

Indian government has green-lighted a mega container port, to be constructed at a cost of INR655.45bn ($9.2bn) at Vadhavan, around 160 km north-west of Mumbai.The proposal to create the huge port – on a ‘landlord model’ – was cleared at a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The proposed port is set to catapult India among countries boasting the top 10 container ports in the world. At the moment, the largest container port in India is Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which sits in the 28th position among the world’s top container ports, with annual throughput of 5.1m teu.A Special Purpose Vehicle will be formed with Mumbai’s JNPT as the lead partner…

22 Jan 2020

India Okays Model Pact on Seafarers

Indian Government approved a model pact with foreign countries that would also allow unilateral recognition of seafarers' competency certificates, thus easing the process for them to seek employment on ships under the flag of that country.The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will pave the way for mutual recognition of maritime education and training of seafarers by the countries involved.“The Cabinet has approved a model MoU with foreign countries for unilateral/bilateral recognition of Certificates of Competency of seafarers,” a government official said.Indian Seafarers…

20 Nov 2019

India to Enact Recycling of Ships Bill

The Union Cabinet of India approved the proposal for enacting Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019 and accession to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships 2009.According to a governmental release, the proposed bill will restrict and prohibit the use or installation of hazardous material, which applies irrespective of whether a ship is meant for recycling or not.For new ships, such restriction or prohibition on use of hazardous material will be immediate, that is, from the date the legislation comes into force, while existing ships shall have a period of five years for compliance.Restriction or prohibition on use of hazardous material would not be applied to warships and non-commercial ships operated by Government.

16 Apr 2019

India, Denmark Forge Offshore Wind Alliance

India’s Union Cabinet has given its approval for a cooperation agreement between India and Denmark on strategic sector cooperation in the field of renewable energy with a focus on offshore wind.According to a government release, the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for a Cooperation Agreement between Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of India and Ministry for Energy, Utilities and Climate of the Kingdom of Denmark on strategic sector cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy with a focus on Offshore Wind Energy and a Letter of Intent to establish an Indo-Danish Centreof Excellence for renewable energy in India.

10 Jan 2019

India Okays Marititme MoU with Denmark

Indian Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime issues between India and Denmark.The MoU is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Denmark officials to India in January, 2019.Signing of the MoU will pave way for both countries for exploration of areas for bilateral collaboration in facilitating cross-border cooperation and investments between the maritime sectors of India and Denmark.The agreement will enable both the countries to exchange expertise, publications, information, data and statistics to improve mutual capabilities for ensuring quality shipping…

27 Jun 2018

India's ‘Sagarmala’ Receives Gold Award

Indian Ministry of Shipping’s flagship program for port-led-prosperity ‘Sagarmala’ received the ‘Gold Award’ in infrastructure sector in the recently concluded 52nd Skoch Summit 2018 in New Delhi, recognizing the programmes’s contribution to India’s socio-economic transformation and it's role in propelling fast-track growth and infrastructure development. The Sagarmala Programme also received the ‘Order of Merit’ at the Summit. The Secretary (Shipping) Gopal Krishna shared the award with Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari. The Skoch Awards recognize leadership and excellence in accelerating socio-economic changes. These awards have become a benchmark of best practices in India in the fields of governance…

07 Feb 2018

Indian Cabinet Clears Changes in Major Port Authorities Bill 2016

Indian's  Union Cabinet has approved the incorporation of the official amendments to the Major Port Authorities Bill 2016, which is pending in the Parliament. The Amendments are based on the recommendations of the department related parliamentary standing committee. The changes sought include the number of the labour representatives to be appointed in the Port Authority Board among the serving employees of the Port has been increased from one to two, among others. The Board of each Major Port shall be entitled to create specific master plan in respect of any development or infrastructure established or proposed to be established within…

03 Jan 2018

India Okays Revised Concession Pact for Projects at Ports

India's Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved amendments in the Model Concession Agreement (MCA) to make the Port Projects more investor-friendly and make investment climate in the Sector more attractive. The amendments in the MCA envisage constitution of the Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes - Ports (SAROD-PORTS) as dispute resolution mechanism similar to provision available in Highway Sector. The other salient features of the revised MCA include providing exit route to developers by way of divesting their equity up to 100 per cent after completion of two years from the Commercial Operation Date(COD).

11 Oct 2017

India Approves Change of Status for Marine Body IALA

The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) to change its status from Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to Inter-Governmental Organization (IGO). The move will facilitate “to foster the safe, economic and efficient movement of vessels". It will bring IALA at par with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). The IALA, having headquarters at St. Germainen Laye (France) was established in 1957 under French law. It is governed by a General Assembly having 83 National members, with its Council as the executive body.

05 Oct 2017

Cabinet Approves Renaming of Kandla Port

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the renaming of Kandla Port as Deendayal Port. Ports in India are generally named after the city or town in which these are situated. However, the Government, in special cases, after due consideration, have renamed the Ports after great leaders in the past. By renaming Kandla Port as "Deendayal Port, Kandla", a grateful nation would be remembering the invaluable contributions made by one of the greatest sons of India, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. This will inspire the People of Gujarat, particularly the Youth, who may not be fully aware of the contributions made by the great leader.

19 Jul 2017

Inland Waterways Authority of India to Raise USD 103 mln Through Bonds

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Revalidation of permission to raise Extra Budgetary Resource (EBRs) of INR 660 crore (USD 103 mln) as Government of India Bonds by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in 2017-18. The proceeds from the bonds will be utilized by IWAI for development and maintenance of National Waterways (NWs) under National Waterways Act, 2016 (effective from 12.4.2016). Funds received through issue of bonds will be used exclusively for capital expenditure to improve infrastructure funding. The investment to be undertaken for development of NWs on identified projects in 2017-18 is estimated to be approximately Rs. 2412.50 crore.

07 Jun 2017

Government Nod to India-Cyprus Pact on Merchant Shipping

The Indian Cabinet of Ministers gave ex-post facto approval to the agreement signed in April between India and Cyprus on merchant shipping. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations for sea trade development. "The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the agreement between India and Cyprus on merchant shipping, which was signed in April 2017," the Ministry of Shipping said in a statement. The Agreement in Merchant Shipping will pave the way for cooperation in eliminating any hindrances which may hamper the development of sea trade between the two nations. The MoU will encourage participation in the transport of goods between the countries, and also from third countries.

06 Apr 2017

India Approves Indo-Bangladesh Marine Pacts

The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved MoU on passenger cruise services on the coastal and protocol routes between India and Bangladesh for starting regular movement of passengers and tourists in water crafts between the two countries. The operationalization of this MoU will promote people to people contact and cooperation between the two countries in respect of economic, social and cultural advancement. It will also generate employment opportunities for the people of India and Bangladesh. The Cabinet also approved MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway development of Ashuganj-Zakiganj stretch of Kushiyara river and Sirajganj-Daikhawa stretch of Jamuna river in the Indo-Bangladesh protocol route .

15 Mar 2017

Green Signal for India-Bangladesh MoU on Aids to Navigation

The Indian Cabinet has approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for greater cooperation with regard to marine aids to navigation that includes advice on lighthouses and beacons besides vessel traffic service. "The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) between the Directorate General of Lighthouses & Lightships (DGLL), Ministry of Shipping, Government of India and the Department of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh," the Ministry of Shipping said in a statement. The MoU envisages cooperation including extending advice on lighthouses and beacons…

18 Jan 2017

Govt Okays India-UAE Pact on Maritime

Indian Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and the United Arab Emirates on Institutional Cooperation in Maritime Transport. The proposed MoU will pave way for facilitation and promotion of maritime transport, simplification of customs and other formalities, wherever possible, observed in Ports and facilitation of the use of existing installations for the disposal of waste. The MoU will enable Shipping Companies in both countries to enter into bilateral and multi-lateral arrangements for sustainable trading activities. "The proposed MoU will pave way for recognition of maritime education and training…

15 Dec 2016

India Okays 'Major Port Trust Authorities Bill, 2016'

The Union Cabinet of India, chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved  the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2016, a move aimed at bringing greater efficiency and professionalism in governance of ports through full autonomy in decision making and by modernizing the Institutional structure of Major Ports. It will replace the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. The Union Cabinet "has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Shipping to replace the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 by the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2016," an official statement said. The new Major Ports Authority Bill, 2016 would help to impart faster and transparent decision making benefiting the stakeholders and better project execution capability.

05 Dec 2016

India Readies Draft Inland Vessels Bill, 2016

The following are the salient features of the draft Inland Vessels Bill, 2016 of India. The Draft Inland Vessels Bill, 2016 covers the Preamble and has 16 parts i.e. Part I to Part XVI. 1.         Part I- enables the Central Government to enact the Bill either in whole or in Part or enact any of its provisions on different dates or in different areas or regions or State Governments or Union Territories by means of a notification to such effect. 2.         Part II- Administrative provisions; prescribes the powers of the Central Government and State Government and prescribes appointment of Competent Authority, Advisory Committee and Department of Local Self Administration.

02 Dec 2016

India Looks at Port Dependent Industries in Major Ports

India's Ministry of Shipping held a consultation meeting with various stake holders on ‘Policy for Award of Waterfront and Associated Land to Port Dependent Industries in Major Ports’ in New Delhi. The policy was approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year and is aimed at bringing uniformity and transparency in the procedure for awarding captive facilities at ports. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders from companies such as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Bharat Petroleum, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, Adani Ports, SEPC Power Pvt Ltd, NTPC and industry bodies ASSOCHAM and CII. In depth discussions were held on various aspects of the policy…

28 Sep 2016

India, Korea Sign Pact for Seafarers Certificate

The Government of India has given nod for a pact between India and Korea that would pave the way for recognition of each other's certificates on maritime education and training for seafarers. The decision was taken by Union Cabinet at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of an Undertaking between India and Korea on Mutual Recognition of Certificates," says a statement. It is in pursuance of the Regulation 1/10 of International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, as amended.

08 Jul 2016

India to Set Up Major Port at Enayam

The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its 'in-principle' approval for setting up a Major port at Enayam near Colachel in Tamil Nadu. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed for development of this Port with initial equity investment from the three Major Ports in Tamil Nadu i.e. V.O.Chidambaranar Port Trust, Chennai Port Trust, and Kamarajar Port Limited. The SPV will develop the port infrastructure including dredging and reclamation, construction of breakwater, ensuring connectivity links etc. At present, there are only a few ports in India that have sufficient draft and can match global cargo handling efficiencies. Currently, all of India's trans-shipment traffic gets handled in Colombo, Singapore and other international ports.

31 Dec 2015

India: New Opportunities Unveiled in Shipping Sector

The Ministry of Shipping has taken many proactive and progressive interventions in the areas of shipbuilding, port development, inland waterways and coastal shipping this year for the development of the maritime sector in the country. The key initiatives includes  Sagarmala Project, Special Purpose Vehicle to provide efficient last mile rail connectivity to Major Ports, Incentive for Shipbuilding and ship-repair Industry,  Jal Marg Vikas Project, Customs and Excise Duty Exempted on the Use of Bunker Fuels for coastal transportation of EXIM and empty container and for domestic containers transported alongwith EXIM and empty containers, Cabotage Relaxed for Special Vessels and Developing 78 lighthouses as tourism centers.

31 Dec 2015

India Bullish on Maritime Industry

For the development of maritime sector in the country, India has rolled out some important projects and signed MoUs, asscording to the Ministry of Shipping. India signed an MoU with Iran for developing Chahbahar Port. An SPV, Indian Ports Global Ltd has been formed with equity participation from Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Kandla Port to execute the project. Ministry of Shipping has prepared a vision for coastal shipping, tourism and regional development to increase the share of coastal/IWT mode from 7% to 10% by 2019-20. An action plan to achieve the objective has also been prepared and is being implemented. The key elements of the initiative include development of coastal shipping as an end-to-end supply chain…

10 Dec 2015

India Announces $615 mln Package for Ship Builders

The Indian Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cleared a Rs.4,000-crore ($615 mln) package to spur India’s ship building industry, combined with a slew of incentives. The sops include the right of first refusal on all government purchases for Indian shipyards, tax incentives and the ‘infrastructure’ status for shipbuilding and ship repair industry that would help them tap easier financing. The measures are aimed at countering the cost disadvantage involved in ship building. The measures includes grant of financial assistance to shipyards. This includes: After delivery of ship, financial assistance of 20% of the contract price or the fair price, whichever is lower.