MoS relaxes norms for foreign vessels under Section 407 of Merchant Shipping Act

The MoS has relaxed norms for foreign vessels under Section 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, for the movement of fertilisers from one port to another within the country. The foreign flag vessels are now not required to obtain a licence from the Director General of Shipping (DGS) for engaging in coastal trade for carrying fertilisers via the sea route. The relaxation is subject to the condition that the information as per the format prescribed in the relaxation order is submitted to the DGS via email at least 24 hours prior to the sail of the vessel from a port in the country.