Global shipping companies are increasingly re-registering their vessels under the Indian flag, a trend that has gained momentum since April. This shift follows the simplification of several shipping regulations in September, leading to the establishment of the Coastal Shipping Act 2025, aimed at enhancing operations along India’s extensive 11,098-kilometre coastline.
According to a Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) official, this reflagging by international shipping giants significantly strengthens the Indian Registry and demonstrates growing confidence in the nation’s maritime administration. When these foreign vessels are reflagged, they are added to India’s registry, allowing them to carry domestic cargo, which could be facilitated by the provisions of the Coastal Shipping Act.
Despite its intent to regulate and promote shipping along India’s coastline, the Coastal Shipping Act 2025 does not explicitly outline advantages for foreign ships choosing to reflag. Recently, Danish shipping leader Maersk has embraced this trend, reflagging two of its container ships, the ‘Maersk Vilnius’ and ‘Maersk Vigo,’ in preparation for their journey from Hong Kong to India. Additionally, Maersk has established Maersk Bharat IFC Pvt Ltd to streamline the reflagging process.
Swiss shipping firm MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) is also reportedly planning to reflag its vessels under the Indian flag, with an announcement expected during the upcoming India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.
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