Over 95% of the international trade happens by sea. The sustainable development of shipping industry is inevitable for international trade. Its development has an impact on marine environment, if unregulated, may lead to irreversible degradation of the ecosystem. There have been commendable efforts to promote quality shipping under the aegis of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and other international institutions. Unfortunately in India, the major concern is that the shipping operations are being carried out under substandard conditions raising crucial issues of pollution and safety in coastal waters. Unhindered access to sea ports is indispensable for economic progress in the current scenario of Globalisation. Equally important is to establish a balance between trade and environment. In the absence of proper access control and monitoring quality of ships, the topography of Indian ports and its navigable waters may not be environmentally secure in future. In the wake of massive port expansion programmes and globalization, this paper analyses the major legal, environmental and policy challenges connected with access and control of ships into Indian ports.
Shipping Industry, Legal Framework, India
