IMC-WORKSHOP ON DELEGATED LEGISLATION UNDER INDIAN PORTS ACT, 2025

The Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) conducted a Workshop on Delegated Legislation under Indian Ports Act, 2025 on 9th January 2025 at Mumbai. The members of IMC and other interested stakeholders consisting of major ports, Indian Ports Association, State Maritime Boards, Shipping Lines, Indian Maritime University, Seafarers Union, Shipping Agencies, Ship Management Companies, Freight Forwarders etc. participated in the Workshop. were present. The Workshop was presided over by Mr. Devki Nandan, Chairman, IMC. Capt. Ananad Karkare (former Deputy Conservator, Mumbai Port), Capt. Vijay Hatekar, General Manager, Atlantic Global Shipping Pvt Ltd and Capt. Suresh Amirapu (Adviser PSA) were the main speakers on this occasion.

The Indian Ports Act, 2025 establishes a comprehensive regulatory and institutional framework encompassing crucial areas such as port conservation, port security, and pollution control, ensuring alignment with India's international obligations and statutory compliance requirements. The Parliament passed the Act in August 2025, and the same was notified in the Gazette of India on 21 August, 2025. For the effective implementation of the Act, it is necessary for the Government to frame specific rules and subordinate legislation. This rule-making power is vested with the Central Government under Section 76 of the Act, with the State Governments under Section 77 of the Act, and with the Central Government in consultation with State Governments under Section 78 of the Act. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Chairman, Paradip Port Authority for formulation of the Rules. The Committee prepared 37 sets of draft rules as required under the above sections.

Government desires to obtain the views of the concerned stakeholders on the draft rules before finalising and notifying these Rules. It already held three consultative meetings in this regard. The Indian Maritime Centre which is an apex body representing maritime interests in India has taken the initiative to conduct this Workshop and seek the comments of the stakeholders on the draft rules proposed by the Government. The Workshop helped in sensitizing the stakeholders on this important subject and highlighted some of the changes that are required to be carried out in respect of these Rules. The IMC will collate the suggestions of the stakeholders from the workshop and furnish them to the Government.

The IMC proposes to conduct a series of similar such Workshops with stakeholders on different subjects.