Government Accelerates Implementation of New Maritime Laws
The government has initiated a comprehensive rule-making process to operationalise recently enacted maritime legislations, including the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, and Indian Ports Act, 2025. The reforms aim to strengthen regulatory clarity, improve safety standards, and enhance India’s maritime ecosystem.
The Directorate General of Shipping has played a central role in this process, constituting multiple technical committees with subject matter experts and nodal officers to draft detailed rules under the new laws. These committees include representatives from shipowners, port authorities, seafarers’ associations, maritime boards, training institutes, legal experts, and government agencies.
Draft rules under the Merchant Shipping Act were published on government platforms and opened for stakeholder consultation in December 2025 and January 2026. Similarly, draft Coastal Shipping Rules related to foreign vessel licensing and national database creation were published in the Gazette of India and placed online for public feedback.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also conducted consultative meetings with stakeholders to finalise draft rules under the Indian Ports Act, ensuring participation from major port authorities, state maritime boards, and industry bodies.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to Parliament, said these efforts are part of a structured and consultative approach to ensure timely implementation of the laws. He emphasised that continuous review and stakeholder engagement are essential for effective enforcement and alignment with global maritime standards.
To strengthen institutional capacity, the Directorate General of Shipping has established a dedicated legal vertical to facilitate faster drafting, interpretation, and implementation of regulations. Legal consultants have also been engaged to ensure clarity and simplicity in legal language, making compliance easier for stakeholders.
These legislative reforms are expected to improve ease of doing business in the maritime sector, enhance operational efficiency, and support India’s ambitions to become a global maritime hub.
Indigenous Smart Protein Technology Receives Government Support
In a parallel development, the government is supporting indigenous biotechnology innovation to transform animal nutrition and reduce reliance on antibiotic-based feed additives. The Technology Development Board, under the Department of Science & Technology, has signed an agreement with Elmentoz Research Private Limited to commercialise antimicrobial peptide-enriched smart protein.
The project focuses on scaling up production of ELGROW™ Smart Protein, an advanced functional protein developed through insect biomanufacturing. This innovative protein solution is designed for poultry, aquaculture, and pet food sectors, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotic growth promoters.
The indigenous technology uses agricultural and industrial waste as feedstock, converting it into high-value protein products. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also strengthens domestic supply chains and promotes circular economy principles.
Officials said the initiative aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance and sustainable agriculture. The AMP-enriched protein is expected to improve feed efficiency, reduce disease incidence, and lower production costs for farmers.
Beyond commercial benefits, the project addresses major global challenges, including antimicrobial resistance and rising input costs. By reducing antibiotic use in animal feed, the innovation can help ensure safer food production systems and enhance export competitiveness.
The technology also produces essential fatty acids beneficial for animal growth and reproduction, offering a comprehensive nutrition solution tailored to Indian farming conditions. This is expected to benefit both large integrators and small-scale farmers.
Strengthening India’s Economic and Strategic Capabilities
The maritime law reforms and biotechnology innovation support demonstrate the government’s integrated approach to strengthening infrastructure, industry, and sustainability. While maritime reforms focus on improving regulatory clarity and operational efficiency, biotechnology initiatives aim to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.
Maritime sector modernisation is critical for India’s trade-driven economy, as over 90 percent of the country’s trade by volume moves through sea routes. Stronger laws and clearer regulations can improve investor confidence, streamline port operations, and enhance India’s global maritime competitiveness.
At the same time, indigenous biotechnology innovation supports agricultural resilience and reduces dependence on imported feed additives. This contributes to economic stability while advancing environmental goals.
Together, these initiatives underline India’s commitment to promoting innovation, sustainability, and regulatory reform to support long-term economic growth. By strengthening maritime governance and investing in advanced biotechnology, the government is laying the foundation for a more resilient and self-reliant future.
