National Shipping Board

On the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, the National Shipping Board (NSB) extends its warmest greetings and deepest gratitude to our global seafaring community.

​As the world celebrates this festival of sacrifice and devotion, we honor the incredible dedication of our seafarers. Far from your homes and families, navigating the vast oceans to keep global trade moving and nations supplied, your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. You embody the very spirit of resilience and selflessness that this day represents.

​Our Wishes for You:
​Safe Passage: May your voyages be smooth, your waters calm, and your journeys secure.
​Joy and Connection: Even across the miles, may the spirit of Eid bring peace to your hearts and joy to your families back home.
​Prosperity: May your hard work continue to bring success, health, and fulfillment to your lives.
​To every captain, officer, and crew member holding the fort at sea—thank you for your unwavering service.

​Eid Mubarak to our anchors afloat!

​"Smooth seas, fair winds, and a blessed Eid to the lifeline of global shipping."

The Chairperson National Shipping Board Shri Sameer Kumar Khare IAS (Retd). held extensive discussions with the representatives of the Kerela Maritime Board at Trivandrum to understand the issues being faced by the Board for initiating the Port Led Development in & around the State Ports in the State of Kerela.

The Board also reviewed the status of decisions taken in the previous meeting held by the Board with Kerela Maritime Board at Kochi in October 2025 and expressed its satisfaction that many of the issues have been resolved as on date. The issue of broadening the various Inland Waterways was also discussed which was hampering the commercial operations of the inland vessels on various Inland Waterways in the State of Kerela. It was informed that public consultations are happening and issues are lightly to be resolved soon.

The Chairperson National Shipping Board also held discussions with various Houseboat Associations of Kerela to understand the issues relating to Houseboat vessels operating in Kerela. The Houseboat Associations apprised the Chairperson National Shipping Board about the ongoing litigations in the Kerela High Court regarding the sustainable operations of the Houseboat vessels. There was a unanimous demand from the Houseboat Associations on using the green power for operation of the Houseboats and to make the Houseboat Industry environmentally sustainable.

The Associations also requested for financial incentives from the Government for retrofitting of their Houseboats to make them greener. The Chairperson NSB also met the representatives of the Nazrul Islam Centre for Higher Education and discussed the issues relating to decreasing intake of the students in the Marine Engineering Courses.

The Chairperson NSB while acknowledging their concerns requested them to submit their detailed concerns and requirements in right perspective to the NSB so that matter could be taken up with the concerned Authorities.

The National Shipping Board Chairperson Shri Sameer Kumar Khare IAS (Retd). visited the Vizhinjam International Sea Port recently and reviewed the progress of this rapidly developing Port.

During the review, the Vizhinjam International Sea Port was represented by their CEO Shri Pradeep Jayaraman. The Officials of MMD Kochi and Kerela Maritime Board were also during the review. The Port management explained the steps initiated by them to transform the Port into a major Global Transshipment Hub.

The current challenges and the bottlenecks being faced in expanding the port operations were also explained to the Chairperson National Shipping Board. The issues related to National Highway connectivity, Rail connectivity and relaxation needed in Cabotage rules were also discussed.

The Chairperson NSB appreciated the rapid progress made by the Port in completion of Phase-I as well as in achieving the traffic targets. He also appreciated the level of automation achieved in the Port operations and suggested its replication in various other ports in India.

He advised the Port management to send their detailed suggestions to the National Shipping Board for taking up with the appropriate Authorities.

The National Shipping Board under the Chairmanship of Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare IAS (Retd) Chairperson NSB met the various Stakeholders at Tuticorin to solicit their views and suggestions on the reforms needed in the Shipping sector and also for resolution of their grievances.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of various Associations of Stevedores, Ship Agents, CFS, Fertiliser Companies, Salt Manufacturers and Merchant, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Exporters & Importers, Shipping lines, Tuticorin Indian Sailing Vessels Association and others.

The issues raised were related to infrastructure constraints at the Port, limited berth capacity, traffic congestion, capital dredging, problems related to CFS, lack of berth for Stevedores, non-availability of private warehouses, excessive Wharfage charges at the Port etc.

The proposed solutions to the problems were discussed. It was assured by the NSB that the issues raised by the various Stakeholders will be raised before the concerned Authorities for expeditious resolution.

Stakeholders were encouraged by the Board to submit their detailed suggestions to the Board, by emails so that they could be taken up in right perspective with the concerned Authorities.

The National Shipping Board held its recent Board meeting at VOCPA Tuticorin under the Chairpersonship of Shri Sameer Kumar Khare IAS (Retd) Chairperson NSB which was attended by its members.

The Board in its meeting confirmed the Minutes of the last meeting held at Mumbai and also reviewed the action taken on the decisions taken by the Board in the previous meetings. The Board also discussed ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its implications on the Shipping sector including Seafarers.

The members also deliberated on the meetings held by the NSB representatives with CBDT and CBIC recently, on various pending taxation matters of the Shipping sector and finalized the way forward. The continued problems being faced by the Seafarers on immigration related issues at various ports were also highlighted by INSA, ICCSA, NUSI & MUI and it was agreed by the NSB to take up the matter again with the Immigration Authorities on priority.

The issue of non-availability of “low-cost long-term financing” for acquisition of “large ships”, despite being given the “infrastructure” status was also discussed and it was agreed to take up the matter with the large infrastructure finance companies. The issues raised by FFFAI in the previous meeting at Mumbai and the Regulatory issues pertaining to operations of Ro-Ro services were also discussed.

The Board also deliberated upon the preparation of the NSB Annual Report 2025-26 as well as works being undertaken by its various Sub-Committees. The members of the Board were also advised by the Chairperson NSB to engage with the Stakeholders and to suggest various reforms measures needed in the Shipping sector in view of the current situation. The Board decided to meet again at a short notice to take these issues further.

The National Shipping Board led by the Chairperson NSB Shri Sameer Kumar Khare IAS (Retd) visited the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Tuticorin (VOCPA)and reviewed the performance of the Port.

The board applauded the financial & traffic performance and other operating parameters of Port. The VOCPA apprised the NSB about the vision of VOCPA which included its plan for becoming a Carbon Neutral & a Green Fuel Bunkering port by 2026, Digital / smart port by 2027, Ship Building Hub by 2028, Green Hydrogen Hub & offshore Windmill Hub and Transshipment Hub by.

The VOCPA also explained the various ongoing infrastructure projects in the Port including proposed Outer Harbour Project. The development of berths No. 7 and 10 and the Windmill terminal were also discussed. The VOCPA also show caused the Digital Initiatives of the Port including SMART i-VTS, Sagar Drishti (VTS mobile app), Pilot THAVAGAL, AIS, Digital Twining etc.

The VOCPA also highlighted the major green initiatives undertaken including installation of Solar Panels & Wind Turbines, Green Tag Transition Program, Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project, Green Methanol Bunkering Facility etc. The proposed Port Led Development Projects was also reviewed by the Board. The Board appreciated the initiatives of the VOCPA and thanked the Authority for making an excellent progress in its journey to becoming a Green Port.

The Chairperson NSB who visited the Tuticorin Maritime Heritage Museum and appreciated the design and contents displayed at the Museum. He expressed the strong support of the Board in taking up such initiatives which highlight the rich Indian Maritime Heritage and inculcates the pride in our youth about our rich cultural heritage.

On this International Day for Biological Diversity, the National Shipping Board reaffirms its commitment to balancing the growth of India’s maritime sector with the absolute preservation of our oceanic ecosystems.

​Our seas and coastal waters are not just corridors of global trade; they are the cradle of irreplaceable biological wealth. As we steer toward a robust Blue Economy, the NSB emphasizes the critical need for 'acting locally for global impact.'

This means enforcing strict ballast water management to prevent invasive species, curbing marine plastic pollution at our ports, and adopting eco-friendly shipping practices that safeguard marine life.

Sustainable shipping is no longer just a policy choice—it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our oceans thrive for generations to come.

The tide is changing, and women are helping lead it.

Here’s to inclusion, leadership, and a more equitable maritime industry.

On this International Workers' Day, we salute the resilience of our maritime workforce—from the deckhands and engineers at sea to the crane operators and logistics staff at our ports.

You are the anchors of our nation's prosperity. The NSB remains committed to ensuring your safety, dignity, and professional growth as we sail toward a more self-reliant and modern maritime future.

On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, the National Shipping Board (NSB) extends its warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to the entire seafaring community.

As you navigate the vast oceans, far from home, may the timeless teachings of Lord Buddha—peace, compassion, and resilience—be your guiding light. Your dedication to keeping the world connected through the maritime spirit is a testament to the strength and harmony the world celebrates today.

May your voyages be safe, your seas remain calm, and your journeys be filled with enlightenment and tranquility.

Happy Buddha Purnima to our Brave Seafarers!