Minister of shipping GK Vasan announced that the union shipping ministry would regulate the movements of ships that are more than 25 years old, in Mumbai on Saturday.
Minister of shipping GK Vasan announced that the union shipping ministry would regulate the movements of ships that are more than 25 years old, in Mumbai on Saturday.
Vasan, in his speech at the valedictory function of the golden jubilee celebration of the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd in Mumbai, said that the notification was to ensure a cleaner and safer coastline. Director general of shipping, Satish Agnihotri told DNA, “After the oil spill from MV Chitra, and instances of MV Pavit and Wisdom running aground near the Mumbai shore, we decided to regulate the movements of the old ships. The ships sailing in the Indian seas will need the classification certified from the International Association of Classification of Societies and should comply with the insurance norms,” he said.
Agnihotri said that Wisdom, MV Rak, Khalija, Chitra were older ships, and newer ships were found to comply with all the norms related to classification and insurance. Vasan said that incidents of piracy off the coast of Somalia are one of the biggest challenge the shipping sector is facing.
“Our ministry is working closely with the ministry of external affairs, the Indian Navy and other international agencies to tackle the menace. We have also issued guidelines for engaging armed guards from private security agencies on-board Indian flagships,” he said.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too expressed concern.
“Any industry can thrive only in an atmosphere of safety and security. Incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships pose a serious threat to India’s seaborne trade, besides putting at risk a large number of Indian seafarers,” he said.
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