Govt plans transparency in shipping, logistics

Aim is more transparency in the shipping and logistics sectors, among others

The government might soon propose amendments to the Multi Modal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993.

The aim is more transparency in the shipping and logistics sectors and to discourage container freight stations from overcharging both importers and exporters, said two government officials with direct knowledge of the matter.

The Act provides for regulation of such transportation from any place in India to one outside India on the basis of a contract. The latest amendment was in the year 2000. The National Shipping Board has now suggested changes, for bringing transparency into end-to-end logistics regarding sea transport,

The amendment would also ensure stevedoring and cargo handling agents do not overcharge clients, a shipping ministry official said. Stevedoring refers to loading and unloading cargo on vessels and shore handling for arranging and receiving cargo.

A presentation on the proposed amendments will be made next month to the shipping minister, Nitin Gadkari, by the director-general, shipping, Deepak Shetty.

Aggregate capacity at the 12 major ports had increased to 965 million tonnes in 2015-16 from 873 mt in 2014-15. The 12 ports handled 107.5 mt of cargo during April-May this year.

The government would also unveil a Stevedoring and Shore Handling Policy for all major ports, to be in place from July 31. It aims to put in place a mechanism for transparent auction of permits to stevedoring agents for cargo handling.