New tonnage tax scheme set to boost domestic shipping firms

The expansion of the tonnage tax scheme proposed in the new Income Tax Bill, 2025 will offer significant benefits to domestic shipping companies. The revised provisions extend the tax regime to Indian inland vessels under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, which was previously limited to ships registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Under the new framework, companies opting for the tonnage tax scheme will be considered separate businesses and enjoy a 10-year lock-in period, exempting them from corporate tax during this duration. Industry experts believe that this move will enhance cash flow and improve the viability of inland and coastal shipping operations.