Pratik Bijlani –
On June 24, the Indian Maritime Federation (IMF) held a pivotal press conference at the Indian Merchant Chambers, Mumbai, addressing two pressing issues: DG Order 6/2023 on vessel age norms and the penalty mechanisms imposed on Recruitment and Placement Services License (RPSL) companies. The event, moderated by Ms Aishwarya Pilankar, brought together over 150 stakeholders, both online and in-person, including notable industry figures such as Mr Atul Jadhav, Managing Director of New Era Shipping; Capt Sudhir Subhedar, former President of ICCSA; Mr Manoj Yadav, General Secretary of FSUI; and Capt Nalin Pandey, CMD of Pentagon Shipping.
Capt Subhedar critiqued DG Order 6/2023 for its lack of consultation and impractical mandates, stating it posed significant financial and infrastructural challenges to India’s maritime sector. “The order threatens the livelihoods of 25,000 seafarers and jeopardizes 700 ships,” he remarked, emphasizing the absence of domestic shipbuilding capacity and the heavy reliance on imports for ship components. He called for the reissuance of the order, citing the ₹15,000 crore cost of transitioning to greener shipping practices.
Echoing these concerns, Mr Jadhav highlighted the impracticality of the 25-year age cap on vessels without adequate infrastructure or financial support for replacements. “This isn’t just about one order; recent decisions have ignored stakeholder input entirely. We need equitable, well-researched policies that actually strengthen the industry, not cripple it,” he asserted. Mr Jadhav also criticized the post-implementation studies conducted by IIM Indore, questioning their relevance over maritime-specific institutions and warning of the economic fallout from reduced shipping capacity.
Mr Yadav addressed both age norms and RPSL regulations, emphasizing the adverse effects of DG Order 6/2023 on India’s maritime workforce. “The livelihoods of thousands of seafarers are at risk,” he stated, stressing the lack of planning and accountability in the order’s issuance. He also criticized the overlap in RPSL regulations, warning that stringent penalties and poor enforcement could drive shipping principals to hire from other countries, further reducing opportunities for Indian seafarers.
Capt Pandey underscored the economic and reputational damage inflicted by the regulatory changes. He condemned the imposition of fines for minor data errors, which he argued defames Indian companies and undermines the global reputation of Indian seafarers. “The DG does not have the power to impose a penalty without due process of Parliament, but still, penalties are being imposed,” he noted, urging fair and transparent regulations that align with the government’s vision of self-reliance and economic growth.
Participants overwhelmingly agreed on the need for reform, as reflected in a poll conducted during the conference. 82% supported maintenance and inspection-based safety standards over blanket age-based rules, and 88% advocated for a transparent, warning-based penalty system for RPSL companies, not arbitrary suspensions and fines.
As maritime economist Capt. Subhedar aptly concluded, “Real navigation is not about avoiding storms but steering with skill and purpose through them.” The IMF and its allies have called on the government to acknowledge the unintended fallout of these policies, pause punitive actions, and adopt global best practices to ensure both safety and sustainability. The future of Indian shipping, its workers, and its global standing depend on swift and thoughtful course correction.
Marex Media