India's Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan in informed that the Ministry of Shipping has given relaxation to foreign vessels for carriage of fertilizer from one port to another port within the country under section 407 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
The foreign flag ships are now not required to obtain a license from the Director General of Shipping for engaging in coastal trade for carriage of fertilizer by sea.
The relaxation is subject to the condition that the information as per the format prescribed in the relaxation order is submitted to the Director General of Shipping by email at least 24 hours prior to sail of ship from a port in India.
The relaxation shall also be subject to the condition that Indian law enforcement agencies, including Indian Navy, Coast Guard, State Maritime Police and Customs, shall be allowed to board such ships any time in the sea for ascertaining the bona fide credentials of the ships/crew.