New emission norms for shipping fuel under IMO regulations to be challenging

Additional shipping secretary Sanjay Bandopadhyay has said the new emission norms under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) low sulphur regulations for shipping fuel will be a challenge for the domestic industry as it's nearly-import dependent. He also called for better safety and security at ports as the country embarks on port-led development through maritime trade and commerce.

"Along with growth, safety and security too needs to be ensured. Sustainable development in shipping and ports is a challenge that needs to be addressed. Also, introduction of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) low sulphur regulations for marine fuel, which comes into effect from January 2020, is a challenge for the region," he told the Regional Maritime Safety Conference 2019 here Tuesday.

"Our ports have seen growth in movement of fertilizers, food grains, automotive, and other bulk materials, especially after the Cabotage laws were relaxed allowing more coastal shipping to take place, he said, adding the number of seafarers grew by 35 per cent in 2018 implying that there has been a growth in the blue economy as well, which is related to the maritime sector, he said.

Addressing the same event, joint secretary-Asian desk at foreign ministry Anurag Bhushan said New Delhi's relationship with Asean blocs has gone a long way from a central partner in 1992 to summit partner after the Act East Policy was launched.