New Delhi, India : The Government has reportedly decided to establish the National Maritime Authority (NMA), an apex body which would ensure unified policymaking and effective coordination among the multiple authorities dealing with maritime issues in the country.

 

It is expected that the proposed authority would replace the existing Directorate-General of Shipping (DG Shipping), the agency under the Ministry of Shipping, according to experts.

 

Given that the global shipping sector is governed by agencies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with shipowners and others engaged in sea trade having to comply with rules set by the IMO, and it being the responsibility of national maritime administrations to ensure these are implemented effectively, the proposed NMA would benefit the Indian maritime sector as the country needs a stronger maritime administration, the experts emphasised.