An industry interaction on “Enabling Ship Leasing and Chartering” was recently held at the India Habitat Centre (IHC), Delhi, bringing together key players from the maritime ecosystem to explore opportunities and policy pathways to boost India’s shipping and tonnage growth.
The session was chaired by Dr. Shishir Shrotriya and featured panellists including industry leaders Deepak Kumar Sharma and Amit Oza. Officials from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)—Capt. Rajendra Poswal, Shri Gauri Lal Meena, Shri Akshay S., and Shri Ankush Raj—also participated, reflecting close government-industry collaboration.
Discussions focused on the evolving policy landscape, including the new Bareboat Charter-cum-Demise (BBCD) framework, proposed reforms under the upcoming Merchant Shipping Act 2025, and practical measures to enhance ship leasing, chartering flexibility, and fleet expansion under the Indian flag.
Key takeaways from the interaction included:
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The importance of a streamlined regulatory framework to support ship leasing and chartering.
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Potential enhancements to the BBCD framework to attract both global operators and domestic investors.
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Expected provisions in the MS Act 2025 aimed at modernizing maritime governance.
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Addressing persistent challenges in increasing tonnage under the Indian flag.
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Navigating market realities shaped by geopolitical uncertainties and an oversupplied global shipping market.
The engagement also saw Maritime Cadets and industry stakeholders exchanging insights on strategic imperatives and operational challenges, reinforcing a shared commitment to scale India’s maritime capabilities.
The discussions align with India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen ship financing, leasing, and chartering as key drivers for the country’s maritime growth.