Directorate General of Shipping, India

The Directorate General of Shipping, Govt of India had the pleasure of welcoming third group of 03 Women Officers from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, GoI on 08th May 2026 at the DGS Hqs on exposure visit. The women officers interacted with the officers of DGS including women officers to understand the role, responsibilities, contribution and new initiatives of the DGS for maritime sector.

The Presentation was led by Shri Ash Mohomad, Deputy Director General of Shipping, GoI. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for the women officers to gain first-hand experience of the functioning DG Shipping. A detailed overview of key activities, regulatory roles, and initiatives was discussed during the interaction. This initiative of exposure visit by women officers strengthened the institutional understanding and promote greater participation of women in the development of maritime sector.

The Directorate General of Shipping is pleased to share that Shri Deepak Shetty, IRS (Retd.), Former Director General of Shipping, visited DG Shipping to engage in discussions on digital transformation initiatives in the maritime sector, including presentations on emerging frameworks such as LEDGID.

During the visit, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, presented the Directorate’s key Digital Interventions in Crew & Training, along with ongoing outreach campaigns aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing awareness across the maritime ecosystem.

The deliberations also covered the role of emerging technologies and trusted digital identity frameworks in improving efficiency, ensuring transparency, and enhancing the global credibility of Indian seafarers.

The visit provided a valuable platform for exchange of ideas on advancing digital governance, regulatory compliance, and seafarer welfare through innovative and technology‑driven solutions.

Day 2 of the 3-day webinar on the National Green Shipping Policy (NGSP), organised under the Maritime INDIA @ Net Zero initiative, focused on three key pillars — Green Technology, Green Finance and Green Skill Development & Capacity Building.

The Green Technology session was presented by Ms Mansi Chawla and moderated by Shri Rahul Chahar. The session deliberated on the role of emerging technologies, digitalisation and innovation in advancing maritime decarbonisation, including operational optimisation, emissions reduction and adoption of future-ready maritime solutions.

The Green Finance session was presented by Shri Imon Barua and moderated by Ms Rupali Joshi and Shri Rahul Chahar. Discussions focused on financing mechanisms and investment frameworks required to support maritime decarbonisation, including green finance instruments, institutional support mechanisms and enabling pathways for sustainable maritime transition.

The Green Skills session was presented and moderated by Ms Rupali Joshi, with concluding remarks delivered by Shri Rahul Chahar. The deliberations highlighted the importance of workforce readiness, skilling frameworks, training ecosystems and institutional capacity building to support the maritime sector’s green transition.

The sessions were further strengthened through expert presentations from industry and technical stakeholders. Under the Green Technology pillar, Shri Sachin Kulkarni from Wärtsilä Corporation, Shri Tarun Kumar from Integri Marine, Dr Saptarshi Basu from OHSE and Mr Rui Pedro Almeida Rego from Kongsberg Gruppen Maritime AS, Norway, shared insights on emerging technologies, innovation pathways and operational transformation for sustainable maritime operations.

Under the Green Skills pillar, Capt. Gur Prasad Kohli from FOSMA Maritime Institute and Research Organization delivered an expert presentation focusing on capacity building, maritime training and workforce preparedness for future green maritime operations.

Day 2 witnessed extensive stakeholder participation and deliberations, contributing towards development of actionable strategies across the NGSP pillars for India’s sustainable maritime future.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways | TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute

We extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Capt. J. C. Anand (1922–2026), a distinguished maritime leader whose contributions have left an enduring legacy in the Indian and global maritime community.

Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, attended the tribute ceremony to honour the life and achievements of this iconic figure.

Capt. Anand was a pioneer of modern Indian shipping, best known for founding the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) in 1975. He was also a founding member of the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) and played a key role in strengthening maritime institutions such as the Indian P&I Club. His contribution to the evolution of containerisation and maritime governance significantly shaped India’s shipping industry.

His exemplary leadership and lifelong dedication will always be remembered with deep respect and admiration.
We pray for eternal peace to the departed soul.

May his legacy continue to inspire generations.

Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping & Chairman, SWFS, attended the inauguration of the newly refurbished rooms at the Royal Bombay Seamen’s Society – Prince of Wales Seamen’s Club, Mumbai, as the Chief Guest.

The event was also graced by Shri B. K. Tyagi, CMD, The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., as Guest of Honour, along with Capt. Nitin Mukesh, DDG (Crew) & Member Secretary, SWFS, and members from the Royal Bombay Seamen’s Society, as well as representatives from various seafarers’ unions and maritime associations.

With a rich legacy since 1837, the Royal Bombay Seamen’s Society stands as a historic institution dedicated to the welfare and support of seafarers, symbolizing the enduring spirit of maritime solidarity.

The occasion highlighted the critical role of seafarers as the backbone of global trade and maritime operations. Emphasis was laid on developing a robust, high‑quality chain of welfare infrastructure across India—from the eastern to the western coasts—ensuring consistent facilities and support for seafarers in line with global benchmark standards.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the dignity, well‑being, and safety of the seafaring community.

Day 1 | National Green Shipping Policy (NGSP) Webinar (6–8 May 2026)

The 3-day webinar on the National Green Shipping Policy (NGSP), organised under the Maritime INDIA @ Net Zero initiative, commenced with Day 1 focusing on two key pillars — Green Fuels and Green Ports.

The session began with the Opening Address by Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, setting the strategic context for India’s maritime decarbonisation journey. The Opening Remarks were delivered by Cmde Debesh Lahiri, Advisor, NCoEGPS, highlighting the importance of collaborative and structured stakeholder engagement in shaping the policy framework.

The Green Fuels session was presented and moderated by Dr Piyali Das, Associate Director, Pyrolytic Biofuels, Biochar and Green Chemicals, and focused on the transition towards low-carbon and zero-carbon marine fuels, covering key aspects of fuel pathways, infrastructure readiness and regulatory considerations.

The Green Ports session was presented and moderated by Ms Rambhatla VSSL Revathi, Fellow, and deliberated on port-led decarbonisation, including electrification, shore-to-ship power, renewable energy integration and development of sustainable port ecosystems.

The sessions were enriched through expert inputs from industry stakeholders. Shri Ajay Singh from DNV presented an overview of the IMO–DNV study on potential demand and pricing of alternative fuels, providing insights into future fuel economics and market readiness. Ms Prakriti Sethi from the Methanol Institute delivered a presentation on “Methanol as Fuel”, highlighting its role as an emerging alternative fuel. Shri Rajdeo Kumar, Dy CME, Deendayal Port Authority, presented the green initiatives being undertaken at Deendayal Port, showcasing practical implementation at the port level.

Day 1 set the foundation for focused deliberations across NGSP pillars, with strong participation from stakeholders across government, industry and technical institutions.

A delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands visited the Directorate General of Shipping for discussions on the proposed Green & Digital Sea Corridor between India and the Netherlands and avenues for strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation.

The delegation comprised Mr. Thierry van Helden, Deputy Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mumbai, Ms. Kelly de Jong, Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry for Infrastructure & Water Management – Maritime Affairs, Government of the Netherlands, Mr. Harrie de Leijer, Advisor to the Netherlands Ministry for Infrastructure & Water Management – Maritime Affairs, Mr. Richard van Lierre from NESTRA, and Mr. Kunal Vora, Sector Lead – Maritime and Sustainable Mobility.

The discussions covered various aspects relating to maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation, including green shipping corridors, sustainable port development, alternative fuels and green bunkering ecosystem, smart maritime systems, and digital maritime trade and logistics systems.

Deliberations were also held on green hydrogen, methanol and ammonia ecosystem, Shore-to-Ship Power, capacity building and human element aspects relating to seafarers, sustainable maritime transition, and cooperation at international platforms.

The meeting further reinforced the growing maritime partnership between India and the Netherlands and the shared commitment towards advancing sustainable, resilient and future-ready maritime ecosystems.

At the Inaugural session of 4th edition of India Ports & Logistics Conference on 05.05.2026, Shri Sushil Khopde, IPS, Addl. Director General, DG Shipping, outlined key developments in India’s maritime sector with a focus on digitalization, regulatory facilitation, and sustainability.

Key points from the presentation:

Maritime Single Window (MSW):
Implementation of a unified digital platform for electronic submission of ship-related documentation in line with IMO requirements. The system supports faster port clearances and reduces reliance on manual processes.

Digital Systems and governance:
Strengthening of institutional mechanisms through structured grievance redressal, crisis response modules, and integrated digital platforms to improve coordination and operational efficiency.

Seafarer Development:
Continued focus on training, certification, and welfare through initiatives such as E-Navik, with efforts to enhance workforce participation, including that of women.

Green Shipping Initiatives:
Adoption of a structured framework covering alternative fuels, shore power, recycling standards, and sustainability metrics for ports and vessels.

Coastal Shipping:
Policy emphasis on increasing modal share through the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, supporting cost efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

The address highlighted ongoing efforts to build a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable maritime ecosystem in alignment with national growth objectives.

Strengthening systems that stand by seafarers: 24×7 Grievance Redressal Mechanism

A dedicated internal workshop at DG Shipping focused on strengthening the grievance ecosystem to build a more responsive, transparent, and user-centric system.

The first session was on existing Legacy Mechanism that reviewed the current grievance redressal framework, highlighting its structure, processes, and key challenges to identify areas for improvement.

The second session based on e-Navik Portal & 24×7 Mechanism an overview of the upcoming e-Navik platform was presented, focusing on enabling a seamless 24×7 grievance redressal system with real-time tracking, multiple access channels, and improved coordination.

The third session based on transition Plan from the legacy system to the new integrated platform, ensuring continuity, minimal disruption, and a smooth shift for all stakeholders.

The last session was on SOPs & Stakeholder Roles that defines detailed standard operating procedures along with clearly defined roles and responsibilities of all concerned stakeholders to ensure accountability and efficient grievance resolution.

Maritime INDIA @ Net Zero: National Green Shipping Policy (NGSP) – 3-Day Webinar (6–8 May 2026)

India’s maritime sector is at a critical juncture in its transition towards decarbonization, sustainability and future-ready growth.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), in collaboration with the National Centre of Excellence in Green Ports and Shipping (NCoEGPS) - TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, is organising a 3-day webinar series on the National Green Shipping Policy (NGSP), aimed at advancing a structured and implementable roadmap for green transformation of the maritime sector.

Key Focus Areas:

~ Pillar-wise discussions across all seven pillars of NGSP
~ Deliberations on implementation pathways and regulatory alignment
~ Identification of priority actions and near-term interventions
~ Strengthening coordination across Ministries, ports and industry stakeholders

The webinar will cover:
Green Fuels, Green Ports, Green Ships, Green Ship Recycling, Green Technology, Green Finance and Green Skill Development & Capacity Building

Building on earlier multi-stakeholder consultations, this engagement is focused on translating policy vision into actionable strategies under the Maritime INDIA @ Net Zero framework.

This is a critical platform for stakeholders to contribute towards shaping India’s green shipping transition.

For participation, please contact:
Mr Rahul Chahar
NCoEGPS
📞 +91 8800585256
✉️ [email protected]

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Honouring a Remarkable Journey of Service 🇮🇳
On 30th April 2026, a heartfelt farewell was accorded to Shri N.R. Raut, Assistant Director General, Directorate General of Shipping, marking the culmination of his distinguished 34 years of dedicated service.

The farewell ceremony, held at the DGS Main Conference Hall, was graciously chaired by the Director General of Shipping and attended by senior officers, including the Additional Director General and the Nautical Advisor. Colleagues and officers expressed their deep appreciation for Shri Raut’s unwavering sincerity, exemplary professionalism, and steadfast devotion to the nation. We extend our warmest wishes for his health, happiness, and fulfilment in the years ahead.