The shipping industry is accelerating its digital transformation, and data protection has emerged as a cornerstone of governance and regulatory responsibility. Addressing this pressing issue, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) India recently hosted an insightful session on Data Protection Compliance Obligations under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the DPDP Rules, 2025: Implications for the Maritime Industry.
In her inaugural address, Adv Jimi John, President of WISTA India articulated the growing importance of data privacy in maritime operations. She assured WISTA India’s commitment to fostering professional development through knowledge-sharing on contemporary industry challenges.
Ms Nazneen Ichhaporia, Partner – PE, M&A, Data Privacy & General Corporate at ANB Legal, delivered a well‑rounded account of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) and the DPDP Rules, 2025. Ms Ichhaporia outlined the law’s core principles—consent‑based processing, purpose limitation, transparency, accountability, and security safeguards—while also detailing the responsibilities of Data Fiduciaries and the corresponding rights of Data Principals.
Ms Ichhaporia drew attention to the maritime sector’s distinctive operating environment, where shipping companies manage extensive volumes of personal data on crew, passengers, contractors, and regulators across multiple jurisdictions. With vessels increasingly dependent on digital technologies and interconnected systems, she emphasized that strong data governance and privacy compliance have become indispensable rather than optional.
The session further explored the phased rollout of the DPDP Rules, 2025, the responsibilities of the Data Protection Board of India, grievance redressal mechanisms, mandatory breach notifications, and the significant penalties attached to non‑compliance. Participants were advised to take proactive measures—strengthening cybersecurity, instituting consent management systems, and developing incident response frameworks—well ahead of the compliance deadlines.
Following the presentation, attendees actively raised practical concerns ranging from cross‑border data transfers and crew data management to legacy shipboard systems and onboard connectivity challenges. The discussion underscored the sector’s strong commitment to interpreting and applying the new regulatory framework within the realities of maritime operations.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Nirmala Shelke, member of WISTA India, offered the Vote of Thanks, commending Ms. Ichhaporia for her thought‑provoking presentation and acknowledging the contributions of the organising team in ensuring the success of the programme.
Marex Media