Kolkata, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed all major and non-major ports across India to submit detailed information on abandoned, disabled, stranded and other inoperable vessels within their jurisdictions and Indian territorial waters.
In a formal notice issued on Tuesday, the maritime authority gave port administrations 15 days to submit consolidated records of vessels that are abandoned, detained, arrested, immobilised, disabled, laid-up, stranded, grounded, drifting, unmanned or otherwise unable to operate safely.
The exercise aims to strengthen maritime safety, protect seafarers, safeguard port infrastructure and prevent security and environmental hazards.
The DGMA said vessels in such conditions could pose risks depending on their location, physical condition, cargo and operational status. Potential threats include danger to personnel, disruption of navigation, damage to port facilities and pollution of the marine environment.
The reporting requirement covers all vessels falling into these categories, irrespective of whether crew members remain on board or whether the vessel has been formally declared abandoned.
Ports must provide details of each vessel, including its identification particulars, present location, operational status, duration and reasons for its condition. They must also submit contact information for the shipowner, operator, manager and local agent.
The information sought additionally includes the number of people on board, seafarer welfare concerns, the vessel’s operational condition, cargo details and bunker fuel levels. Port authorities must identify any threats to navigation, port operations, infrastructure, maritime security and the marine environment.
Details of enforcement measures already taken, along with relevant court orders and statutory detention information, must also be included.
The DGMA clarified that the reporting exercise would not affect or override existing court orders or statutory directions.
Ports have also been instructed to immediately report new incidents involving vessel distress, threats to human life or environmental risks. Periodic updates on existing cases must continue until the situations are resolved.
Port authorities that have no such inoperable vessels within their jurisdictions must submit a mandatory ‘NIL’ report.
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