QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARD - YEAR 2025-26 VOLUME-I

नौतज़म् Maritime Horizon, Future of the Seas QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARD Year 2025-26 Volume-I April - June “समुे प्रा, राे प्रगत:” Wisdom in the ocean, progress in the nation NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARD India’s Apex Advisory Board on Shipping & Maritime Affairs (Merchant Shipping Act, 2025) NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDGOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING & WATERWAYS The Maritime Transport is a critical infrastructure for the social and economic development of a country. It influences the pace, structure, and pattern of development. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways encompass within its fold ports, shipping, and waterways sectors which include Shipbuilding and Ship-repair, Major Ports, National Waterways, and Inland Water HONORABLE MINISTERS Transport. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has been entrusted with the responsibility to formulate policies and programs on these subjects and their implementation. A comprehensive policy package is necessary to address the diverse issues facing the Maritime transport sector. The National Shipping Board is established by the Central Government by way of a notification issued under the Section (4) of the Merchant Shipping Act-2025 (the old SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL Honorable Cabinet Minister Merchant Shipping Act-1958) for a period of 2 years, from the date of notification. As per the statute, the Board shall advise the Central Government on matters relating to Indian Shipping including the development thereof and on such other matters arising of this act as the Central Government may refer to it for advise. The Board shall have power to regulate its own procedure for the conduct of business. SHRI SHANTANU KUMAR Honorable Minister of State NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDChairperson’s Message Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd.) Chairperson, National Shipping Board It gives me immense pleasure to present the inaugural edition of the Quarterly Newsletter – "नौतज़म”् , the official publication of the National Shipping Board. As the apex statutory advisory body to the Government of India under the Merchant Shipping Act, the Board has always strived to guide national policy and promote excellence in the maritime sector. India, with its rich seafaring heritage and strategic coastline, is today at the cusp of transformative growth in shipping, shipbuilding, and port-led development. Through this newsletter, we aim to create a platform that not only shares updates on policy initiatives, regulatory developments, and International best practices, but also highlights the innovative efforts of industry, academia, and stakeholders who are shaping the maritime future of our nation. The journey ahead requires collaboration, vision, and sustained effort. With initiatives like Sagarmala, Maritime India Vision 2047, Maritime India Vision 2030, Gati Shakti ease of doing business/ Ease of living and Atmanirbhar Bharat, we are steadily working towards positioning India as a global maritime leader. I invite all stakeholders to actively engage with this newsletter and contribute to enriching its content. Let this publication be a beacon that fosters dialogue, disseminates knowledge, and strengthens the maritime ecosystem of India. Together, let us sail ahead towards a future of sustainable growth, innovation, and global leadership in the maritime domain. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDComposition of the Board Gazzattee Notification dated 30.04.2025 In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (44 of 1958) read with Rule 4 of the National Shipping Board Rules, 1960, the Central Government hereby consti- tutes the National Shipping Board for a period of 2 years from the date of publication in the official Gazette of India that is 30.04.2025 1.Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, Retired IAS, Chairperson 2.Shri Ajithkumar Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor, Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai 3.In-charge of Marine Administration Wing, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways 4.A representative of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (Not below the rank of Joint Secretary) 5.A representative of Indian Navy (Not below the rank of Director) 6.A representative of Indian Coast Guard (Not below the rank of Director) 7.Shri Rakesh Singh, Secretary, representative of Indian Coastal Conference Shipping Association (ICCSA) 8.Shri Anil Laxman Devli, CEO, representative of Indian National Ship-owners Association (INSA) 9.Shri Rahul Modi, Representative of Coastal Container Transport Association (CCTA) 10.Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary-cum-Treasurer, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) 11.Captain Tushar Pradhan, General Secretary of the Maritime Union of India (MUI) 12.Mr. Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman, Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Mumbai 13.CMD, Cochin Shipyard Limited 14.Dr. K. Murali, Professor, Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT, Madras 15.Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Director, Sitara Shipping Ltd. 16.Shri Shantanu Kalita, Advisor, IPA NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDKnow about the Board Members Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, IAS (Retd.) Chairperson, National Shipping Board Email ID- chairperson.nsb@gov.in Mob No. +91 9326605339 Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, a retired IAS officer, has held key roles in public policy, finance, and multilateral development. He has served in senior positions in the Central Government in Ministry of Finance, Defence and Food & Public Distribution. He has also served in senior positions in the State Government of Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattishgarh. He was in the Board of Directors of Asian Development Bank, Manila(as ED, ADB), Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, Beijing(As Director AIIB), International Fund for Agriculture Development, Rome (As Executive Director, IFAD) and SAARC Development Fund, Thimphu (As Director, SDF). He represented Government of India in the Board of United Bank of India and NIIF Trust Limited. He also served as Government Nominee Director in many State Level Public Enterprises in Govt. of Assam. He also served as Chairman of the Assam Administrative Tribunal and Chief Commissioner under the Right to Public Service His financial expertise shaped India's global economic engagements, with key roles in the IMF, World Bank, IDA, and other Multilateral Institutions. He has worked as Indian Sous Sherpa in G20 meetings. He co-chaired International Framework Working Group in G20. He is an alumini of I.I.T. Powai Mumbai NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDShri Ajithkumar Sukumaran, Member, National Shipping Board Chief Surveyor, DG Shipping, Mumbai Email ID- nsbmember-1@gov.in Mob No. +91 9446121550 Shri Ajithkumar Sukumaran, is a Marine Engineer turned Maritime Administrator, currently serving as the Chief Surveyor and Chief Examiner of Engineers at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Government of India, Mumbai. He also holds the title of Additional Director General of Shipping (Engineering). He shapes maritime policies, standards, and India’s global presence. He is an IMU Council Member, TED19 Chairman at BIS, and has led Indian delegations to IMO’s key committees on safety and environment. He has represented India at International Maritime Conventions and served as a Government nominee in major port trusts. Shri Mandeep Singh Randhawa, IPS Member, National Shipping Board Director, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Email ID- director-ship@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9818082825 Shri Mandeep Singh Randhawa, an IPS officer from the 2006 AGMUT batch, is known for strategic reforms and tech-driven policing. Since April 2021, he has served as Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, overseeing maritime infrastructure and regulatory development. He is actively involved in drafting key legislative bills, including the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, and the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025. His expertise in both urban policing and maritime policy makes him a key figure in shaping India's law enforcement and maritime governance. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDShri Raghu R Nair, Member, National Shipping Board, Indian Navy Email ID- dno-navy@nic.in Mob. No.- +91 7303120086 Shri Raghu R Nair, commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1998, has served in key afloat and ashore roles, including commanding four warships. A specialist in Navigation and Direction, he has managed Naval Operations across various capacities throughout his career. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Nausena Medal in 2024. DIG Pankaj Verma, Member, National Shipping Board, Indian Coast Guard Email ID- nsbmember-3@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9971196532 Shri Pankaj Verma, a 1996 batch Indian Coast Guard officer, is Principal Director (Operations) at Coast Guard HQ, Delhi. With 29 years of service, he has held key operational roles, trained ships, led coastal security efforts, and participated in bilateral exercises. An MSc Nautical Science and BSc Electronics graduate, he also holds professional qualifications from Indian and US Naval institutions. His 15-year sailing experience spans Asian and African regions. Honored with the Tatrakshak Medal, his interests include electronics, current affairs, and sports. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDShri Rakesh Singh, Member, National Shipping Board President, Indian Coastal Conference Shipping Association (ICCSA) Email ID- nsbmember-2@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9820989078 Shri Rakesh Singh, is a distinguished Master Mariner with 15 years of sailing experience and over 30 years in the maritime sector ashore, specializing in commercial and international maritime law. He founded his ship-owning company in 2003, operating vessels along the Indian coast and inland waterways. Since 2015, he has served as Secretary of the ICC Shipping Association and represents ICCSA on the Technical Advisory Committee of the Indian Register of Shipping. A leading marine insurance consultant linked to the London Maritime Arbitrators Association, he lectures on maritime subjects and often appears on media channels to share insights on the sector. Shri Anil Laxman Devli, Member, National Shipping Board, CEO, Indian National Ship-Owners Association (INSA) Email ID- nsbmember-4@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9820061063 Shri Anil Laxman Devli, is a trained lawyer and a key figure in the Indian maritime industry with over 20 years of experience. He currently serves as the CEO of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association, advocating for the growth of Indian flag shipping.Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions at publicly listed Indian ship-owning and operating companies. His work involves lobbying with the government, think tanks, and industry organizations to promote investment and policy development in the sector. He believes that strengthening India's maritime power is essential for the country’s global relevance and economic growth. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDShri Rahul Modi, Member, National Shipping Board President of Coastal Container Transport Association (CCTA) Email ID- nsbmember-5@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9825212641 Shri Rahul Modi, Managing Director of Pushpak Logistics Solutions Pvt. Ltd., has played a key role in transforming coastal multimodal logistics in India. His efforts focus on reducing road transport dependency while maximizing cargo movement via sea, river, and rail. He pioneered coastal shipping initiatives, linking major and non-major ports, helping cut freight costs and enhance efficiency. His work has positioned Kandla Port as a coastal hub and expanded bulk and container cargo operations nationwide. Modi has also been instrumental in promoting domestic container manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, supporting India's Maritime Vision 2030. Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, Member, National Shipping Board, General Secretary, National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) Email ID- nsbmember-6@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9892691908 Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, is a Trade Unionist and the General Secretary- cum-Treasurer of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI). He holds a Bachelor's degree in Science from Mumbai University and has worked in the shipping industry since 1986, including as an Able Seaman with the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. He has been with NUSI since 2004 and is involved in various groups focused on seafarers' rights and empowerment, particularly for young and women seafarers. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDCaptain Tushar Pradhan, Member, National Shipping Board, General Secretary, Maritime Union of India (NUSI) Email ID- nsbmember-7@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9136941605 Captain Tushar Pradhan, is a fourth-generation seafarer with 45 years of experience, including 27 years in command. He has worked with notable shipping companies and serves as a Member of the ITF-Maritime Safety Committee and an Expert at the International Maritime Organization. He represents the Maritime Union of India in various committees, focusing on improving welfare facilities for seafarers and addressing issues like wages and abandonment. He actively promotes women's participation in maritime careers and is frequently invited as a motivational speaker. Committed to supporting seafarers and their families, he assures his availability 24/7 for any guidance needed. Mr. Arun Sharma, Member, National Shipping Board Executive Chairman, Indian Register of Shipping Email ID- nsbmember-8@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9819933330 Shri Arun Sharma is a distinguished maritime leader with extensive experience in shipping management, strategy, and operations. As a marine engineer, he has held top positions in major companies and played a crucial role in advancing the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). As IACS Chairman (2019–2020), he provided leadership during the pandemic, earning widespread recognition. His contributions have been honoured with India’s highest maritime recognition, the Varuna Award (2021), along with several Lifetime Achievement awards. He was also featured in Lloyd’s List’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Shipping. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDShri Madhu S Nair, Member, National Shipping Board, CMD, Cochin Shipyard Limited Email ID- cmd@cochinshipyard.in Mob. No.- +91 9444008627 Shri Madhu S Nair has been at the helm of Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) since 2016, driving its expansion and modernization. Under his leadership, CSL expanded to seven units and completed major projects, including India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant. He has made advancements in green shipping, played a pivotal role in India's Maritime Vision 2030, and established the National Centre of Excellence for Green Ports and Shipping. Through global partnerships, CSL has ventured into innovative shipbuilding technologies such as hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid vessels. His leadership earned him top industry awards, solidifying his maritime influence. Dr. K. Murali, Member, National Shipping Board Professor, IIT, Madras Email ID- nsbmember-9@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9820186740 Dr. K. Murali is a Professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras since March 2009. He previously held positions as an Associate Professor and Assistant Professor in the same department. His experience includes roles as a Senior Research Engineer in Singapore and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National University of Singapore. Dr. Murali has also worked as a Senior Project Officer and Project Associate at IIT Madras. He has numerous publications in his field, with his latest focusing on "Oblique wave interaction with dual submerged oscillating buoy as (WEC- Wave Energy Converter) near a partially reflecting wall." NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDMs. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Member, National Shipping Board Director, Sitara Shipping Ltd. Email ID- nsbmember-10@gov.in Mob. No.- +91 9820186740 Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, is the Director of Sitara Shipping Pvt Ltd and a leading advocate for gender diversity in the maritime industry. As a founding member of WISTA India, she promotes women's representation and contributed to the "Diversity Handbook." Sanjam serves on the Executive Board of the World Maritime University and received the Sandvik Gender Award in 2018. She launched Maritime SheEO to drive diversity solutions and is a member of the Diversity Committee of the International Chamber of Shipping, as well as a gender expert with the UN ESCAP and the International Maritime Organization. Shri Shantanu Kalita, Member, National Shipping Board, Advisor, Indian Ports Association (IPA) Email ID- shantanu.kalita@gmail.com Mob. No.- +91 9818529080 Shri Shantanu Kalita, Senior Advisor to IPA, collaborates with MoPSW on maritime policies and promotes India's maritime sector. Previously, he led an IT startup and pioneered India’s first seaplane operation. A globetrotter, he has visited 40+ countries, gaining valuable global perspectives. Hailing from Assam, he is deeply engaged in social and cultural initiatives and holds key positions in major sports organizations, serving as Joint Secretary of the Assam Olympic Association and Vice President of the Boxing Federation of India. His diverse expertise spans maritime, aviation, technology, and sports, making him a dynamic force in multiple industries. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDShri Nebu Oommen Secretary, NSB Dy. Chief Ship Surveyor cum Senior DDG( Tech) in DG Shipping EMail ID: secretary-nsb@gov.in Mon. No.-+91 9819426229 Qualifications - Bachelor of Technology in Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding from Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT) Currently with the Naval Architecture Wing of DG Shipping as Dy Chief Ship Surveyor Experience ▪ Total 21 years of Experience in the field of Shipbuilding & Repair, survey & certification, Safety Management system audits, policy development etc. ▪ He started his career at Indian Register of Shipping, Mumbai as Surveyor in 2004. ▪ In 2008 he joined American Bureau of Shipping as Surveyor. ▪ Joined the Directorate General of Shipping on 08 December 2010. ▪ He is an approved Lead Auditor of IMO to undertake audits of other Flag Administrations under Implementation of IMO Instruments Code. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDStakeholder Consultations of the Board Venue of Agenda discussed Details of the S. the Stakeholders N. Meeting Consulted and Date Current status of Ship Building, Ship Repairs and Ship Recycling in India Current status of Merchant Shipping and Coastal Shipping including Indian Port waterways in India Association, Current status of the New Delhi number of ships with Indian flags Inland Discussions on long pending Waterways issues of seafarers raised by Authority of NUSI, MUI and others India, Collaboration with Maritime Mumbai Noida State Development Council 1. on Directorate Indian representation in the IMO 30.05.2025 General of Bringing Gender Diversity in Lighthouses Maritime Sector and Lightships, Addressing issues pertaining Noida to Indian Coast Guard Directorate Authentic documentation of India’s Maritime Legacy General of Review of the Green Shipping, Tugboard Transition Mumbai Program Continue... NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDStakeholder Consultations of the Board Venue of Agenda discussed S. the Details of the N. Meeting Stakeholder Consulted and Date Representation of NSB in the Governing council of Narottam Morarji Institute of Shipping, Mumbai Current status of Regional Maritime Transport grid Indian Port Current status of Association, implementation of New Delhi Maritime Single Window Inland Waterways Interaction with the Authority of India, officials of Directorate Noida General of Shipping, Mumbai to understand Mumbai on Directorate General their current activities 30.05.2025 of Lighthouses and Interaction with the Lightships, officials of Directorate Noida General of Lighthouse and Directorate General Lightships, Mumbai to understand their current of Shipping, activities Mumbai NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDStakeholder Consultations of the Chairperson, NSB Venue of the S.N. Details of the Stakeholder Consulted Meeting & Date Secretary, MoPSW New Delhi on Special Secretary, MoPSW 1. 01.05.2025 Director, Maritime Administration,MoPSW DG Shipping, Mumbai CEO, INSA President ICCSA President CCTA Mumbai on General Secretary, NUSI 2. 09.05.2025 General Secretary, MUI Director, Sitara Shipping Limited Advisor, IPA Chief Surveyor, DG Shipping CMD, IRS NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDPhoto Gallery Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways welcomed the Members of the newly constituted National Shipping Board on 09th May, 2025 at Mumbai. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Honorable Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sharing his vision & India’s Maritime Ambitions with the members of NSB on 09.05.2025 at Mumbai. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDPhoto Gallery Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, Retd. IAS, Chairperson of the National Shipping Board chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Board on 30.05.2025 at DG Shipping, Mumbai. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDPhoto Gallery The Members of the newly constituted National Shipping Board participated in the first meeting of the newly constituted Board on 30.05.2025 at DG Shipping, Mumbai. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDPhoto Gallery Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, Member, National Shipping Board and General Secretary, NUSI facilitated signing of a MoU by NUSI Maritime Academy, Goa in partnership with Anglo- Eastern Ship Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. to promote the inclusion of women in the maritime industry on 20.06.2025. Inauguration of Sagar Mein Yog – A Complete Wellness Programme for Seafarers on the Occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 at Gateway of India, Mumbai (21st June 2025). The grand celebration, hosted by MbPA in collaboration with Patanjali Yogpeeth, featured a mass yoga session and the launch of 10 official “Sagar Mein Yog” wellness modules by Hon’ble Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDPhoto Gallery Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar, Member, National Shipping Board and General Secretary, NUSI celebrated Day of the Seafarer with Family Gathering in Mumbai on 25.06.2025. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDPhoto Gallery On 29th June 2025, a landmark tripartite meeting and a workers’ rally were held in Alang to discuss the upcoming implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Organized by the Alang Sosiya Ship Recycling and General Workers’ Association, the event brought together government officials, industry leaders, trade unions, and workers. The NSB Members Shri Milind Kandalgaonkar and Capt. Tushar Pradhan participated. NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARDWe gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the Board Members, stakeholders and partners in preparing this issue. Stakeholders are invited to share articles, suggestions and inputs for the next volume at chairperson.nsb@gov.in CONTACT US Address 1: 1st Floor, Chanderlok Building, 36, Janpath, New Delhi-110001 Telephone No.- 011-23316251/011-21400023 Contact No.: +91 9326613829 Mail ID: official04.nsb@gov.in Address 2: National Shipping Board, Room No. 413, Transport Bhawan, 1, Parliament Street, New Delhi, 110001 Telephone No.- 011-23710505 Follow Us On: X @NSBofIndia Instagram @nsbofindia Facebook @National Shipping Board LinkedIn @National Shipping Board NSB weblink can be accessed at https://www.dgshipping.gov.in/Content/NATIONALSHIPPINGBO ARD.aspx NATIONAL SHIPPING BOARD