India bans vessels older than 25 years

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has issued an order about the age norms and other qualitative parameters for the registration/operation of vessels.

Document No. 4 of 2023 was published on February 24th, 2023.

The Directorate General of Shipping, India claims:

The average age of the world's fleet records a trend of decline, and the average age of Indian tonnage over the years is constantly increasing.

The existing guidelines determine that the acquisition of ships under the age of 25 is not necessary for previous technical removal, but that it will be required for ships of 25 years and older.

This will be applicable to all ships under the Indian and foreign flags needed to license towards Sec 406 & 407 of the MS Act 1958. Accordingly, this order will also be applicable to ships approved by licensing in the licensing consistent with sec 406 and 407 of the Act.

The existing vessels, regardless of their age on the date of issuance of this document, affected by the maximum age prescribed in the document, will be allowed to operate for up to three years from the date of issuance of this order.

Ships under a foreign flag that require a license to Sec 406 and 407 of the MS Act 1958 and have already been engaged in the charter on the day of this order will also be allowed to operate up to three years from the date of issuance of this document or until the charter period, depending on what is earlier.

This order will not be applicable to passenger vessels, FSRU, FPSO, and drilling/production units certified under MODU/SPS Code.