The National Shipping Board Rules, 2026 aim to strengthen India’s maritime governance by establishing a structured and effective advisory body.
Published on May 27, 2026By Kriti
On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways notified the National Shipping Board Rules, 2026 to ensure an effective advisory body that guides the Government of India on shipping-related matters and promotes the development of the maritime sector.
The provisions came into force on 20 May 2026.
All you need to know about the National Shipping Board Rules, 2026:
The National Shipping Board Rules, 2026, come under the ambit of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
These Rules have been notified in supersession of the National Shipping Board Rules, 1960.
Constitution of Board:
The Central Government will set up the National Shipping Board by issuing a notification.
The Board will be created for 2 years at first and then will be re-created every 2 years.
If a new Board is not formed on time, the old Board will continue working, but only for a maximum of 6 months.
When a new Board is formed, all decisions and actions taken by the old Board will remain valid.
Term of office:
The Chairperson and other members, except Member of Parliament, serve for 2 years.
If the Chairperson’s post becomes vacant, the Central Government will appoint a new Chairperson.
If a Member of Parliament position becomes vacant, it will be filled by election.
If any other member’s post becomes vacant, the Central Government will appoint a replacement.
The new person, Chairperson or member, will serve only for the remaining period, not a full 2 years.
Resignation by Chairperson and member of Board:
The Chairperson can resign by writing to the Central Government, and a member can resign by writing to the Chairperson.
However, they will continue working until the resignation becomes effective.
The resignation becomes effective when it is accepted or after 30 days from the date of submission, whichever happens earlier.
Removal of Chairperson and members from office:
The Central Government can remove the Chairperson or any member of the Board if:
✓ They stay outside India for more than 6 months without permission;
✓ They miss 3 meetings in a row without permission;
✓ They are declared insolvent;
✓ They are convicted of a serious offence of moral wrongdoing;
✓ They no longer represent the group/interest they were appointed for.
The Government can also remove a member if it thinks the person should not continue, but it will have to record reasons in writing and give the person a chance to explain.
Secretary Board:
The Central Government appoints a Secretary to the Board, either a member or any other person.
The Secretary works under the control of the Board and helps the Chairperson.
Main duties of Secretary:
✓ Arrange meetings of the Board as directed by the Chairperson;
✓ Maintain records (minutes) of meetings;
✓ Perform any other tasks assigned by the Board.
Secretarial assistance to Board:
The Board will get secretarial support from the Director-General.
The Director-General will appoint staff needed for the Board’s work.
These staff members will be part of the Director-General’s office.
All expenses like salary and allowances of staff will be paid from the Director-General’s budget.
The Headquarters of the National Shipping Board will be in New Delhi.
Members of the Board will be entitled to travel and daily allowances.
Procedure for conduct of business:
The Board will usually meet every 3 months.
Meetings can be called by the Chairperson.
The Chairperson decides the time and place of meetings.
Members must be given at least 15 days’ notice.
If a member does not receive the notice, the meeting is still valid.
In urgent cases, the Chairperson can call a meeting with shorter notice.
Agenda to be discussed will be sent along with the notice, or soon after.
If a member wants to discuss something:
✓ They must give written notice 7 days in advance with details.
✓ The Chairperson may allow late items if needed.
Only listed items are discussed, unless the Chairperson permits otherwise.
The Chairperson presides over meetings.
In case the Chairperson is absent, members can choose someone to preside.
The Chairperson controls the meeting, including postponing it if required.
Read more at: https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2026/05/27/national-shipping-board-rules-2026-key-provisions-india/
Maritime News: Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, deployed under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, departed Chattogram, Bangladesh, after completing a multi-dimensional port visit focused on maritime cooperation, professional exchanges and regional naval engagement.
The vessel departed on May 10, 2026, and is currently en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, its next operational destination under the ongoing regional deployment. The departure was marked by a ceremonial send-off hosted by the Bangladesh Navy.
Maritime Cooperation and Bilateral Naval Engagements
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of IOS SAGAR held discussions with senior Bangladesh Navy leadership, including:
- Commander Bangladesh Navy Fleet (COMBAN)
- Commander Chattogram Naval Area (COMCHIT)
The interactions focused on strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and advancing shared regional security objectives in the Indian Ocean Region.
A formal deck reception hosted onboard IOS SAGAR brought together senior Bangladesh Navy officials and maritime stakeholders, while Indian naval personnel also attended a reception organised by the Bangladesh Navy.
Professional Exchanges and Naval Training Interactions
The port call included several professional interactions between the two navies, including:
- cross-deck visits
- exchange of best operational practices
- officer-level engagements
- naval training discussions
Crew members from IOS SAGAR also visited the Bangladesh Naval Academy, where they interacted with officer cadets and faculty members.
Friendly sports fixtures and cultural activities were organised to strengthen camaraderie and improve mutual understanding between personnel of both navies.
PASSEX Conducted with Bangladesh Navy
Following its departure from Chattogram, IOS SAGAR participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) alongside BNS Protoy and Bangladesh Navy air assets.
The exercise included:
- coordinated maritime drills
- advanced surface manoeuvres
- operational communication exercises
- interoperability procedures
The PASSEX was aimed at improving operational coordination and strengthening maritime interoperability between the Indian and Bangladesh navies.
Strengthening Security in the Indian Ocean Region
The visit highlights the growing maritime partnership between India and Bangladesh amid evolving strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.
Officials stated that the deployment under the IOS SAGAR initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries towards:
- maritime security
- regional stability
- operational cooperation
- safe sea lanes in the Indian Ocean
Notably, IOS SAGAR currently carries personnel from 16 partner nations, underscoring India’s broader regional maritime engagement and collaborative naval diplomacy efforts.
India Expanding Regional Maritime Outreach
The Indian Navy has increasingly expanded its maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean Region through:
- bilateral naval exercises
- humanitarian missions
- coordinated patrols
- regional interoperability initiatives
The IOS SAGAR deployment forms part of India’s wider strategic outreach aimed at reinforcing regional maritime partnerships and ensuring stability across critical sea routes.
