The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has granted fleet owners an additional three years beyond the earlier February 2026 deadline to comply with the age norms prescribed for existing vessels. However, the maritime regulator has deferred the introduction of a proposed sustainability indexing mechanism that could have potentially allowed operators a further two-year extension.
Under the order issued on February 24, 2023, all “Existing Vessels”—defined as ships already registered under the Indian flag on or before the order date—were required to meet the stipulated maximum age limits by February 2026. Vessels acquired or to be acquired under the Indian Control Tonnage (ICT) scheme were to be treated on par with Indian-flagged vessels.
The DG Shipping has now clarified that these existing vessels, irrespective of age, will be permitted to operate until March 31, 2029. A further extension of up to two years, until March 31, 2031, may be considered based on the vessel’s compliance with the proposed sustainability indexing mechanism—once it is finalized.
A government official noted that sustainability indexing has been separated from the revised age norms to avoid delays.
“The sustainability indexing has been deferred because it requires more discussion. It will be issued separately after wider stakeholder consultations,” the official said.
He added that any extension beyond March 2029 will hinge on the timeline required to implement the indexing framework.
IIM Indore Endorses Age Norms
The revised norms draw upon a detailed report prepared by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore, which was commissioned to re-evaluate the 2023 age-based policy following concerns from fleet owners.
The report strongly supported introducing entry and exit age limits as a means of modernising the Indian fleet. It also suggested carve-outs for certain specialised and high-value vessels, as well as adjustments based on International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonisation targets.
“Some fleet owners have asked for more time to renew their fleet by making use of the age norms policy. So, we have decided to give more time,” the official noted.
The DG Shipping has submitted the revised draft norms to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways after extensive stakeholder consultations, advising any parties with further concerns to approach the Ministry.
Key Age Norms by Vessel Category
Oil Tankers, Bulk Carriers, General Cargo:
Entry: 20 years | Exit: 25 years
Offshore Fleet:
Entry: 20 years | Exit: 25 years (DP2 vessels allowed up to 30 years)
Exclusive Container & Cement Carriers:
Entry: 20 years | Exit: 30 years
Gas & Chemical Carriers:
Entry: 25 years | Exit: 30 years
Harbour Tugs:
Entry: 20 years | Exit: 30 years
Anchor Handling Tugs, Long Tow Tugs, Non-Self-Propelled Ocean-Going Barges:
Entry: 20 years | Exit: 25 years
Exclusions
Passenger vessels, FSRUs, FPSOs, heavy-lift and installation barges, crane and pipe/cable-laying vessels, research ships, floating docks, dredgers, DP2 diving and well-stimulation vessels, and MODU/SPS-certified drilling and production units are excluded from these norms.
Foreign ships calling at Indian ports that do not require a licence under Sections 406/407 of the Merchant Shipping Act are also exempt.
However, the norms will apply to all Indian and foreign-flagged vessels requiring such licensing, including those granted exemptions but engaged in India’s coastal trade.
Push for Fleet Modernisation
The DG Shipping highlighted that while the average age of the global fleet is declining, that of the Indian fleet continues to rise—underscoring the urgency to modernise and enhance the competitiveness of Indian tonnage.
