About National Shipping Board
- The National Shipping Board (NSB) is a statutory advisory body established under the Merchant Shipping Act.
- Under the earlier Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, it was established under Section 4 and came into existence in 1959.
- The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 has now replaced the 1958 Act and provides the present statutory framework for the Board.
- The NSB advises the Central Government on matters relating to Indian shipping, including its development, and on other matters arising under the Act that are referred to it by the Central Government.
- It is an advisory body, not the principal executive/regulatory authority for the maritime sector.
I. Establishment & Legal Basis
- The NSB is established under Section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
- The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 was enacted in August 2025 and came into force on 15 March 2026, replacing the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- The Board’s principal role is to provide policy advice to the Central Government on Indian shipping.
II. Composition of National Shipping Board
1. Members of Parliament: 6 MPs: 4 from Lok Sabha + 2 from Rajya Sabha.
2. Other Members
- Up to 16 members nominated by the Central Government.
- Represent Government, ship owners, seafarers & other interests.
- Equal representation of ship owners and seafarers.
3. Women Representation: At least 4 women among the nominated members.
4. Chairperson: Nominated by the Central Government from among the members.
III. Functions of National Shipping Board
- Advises on matters relating to Indian shipping.
- Advises on the development of Indian shipping.
- Provides advice on other matters arising under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, when such matters are referred to it by the Central Government.
- Provides a platform for representation of stakeholders such as ship owners and seafarers in maritime policy discussions.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article – National Shipping Board (NSB) & Sagar Samvad |