The ministry, which is the custodian of the country's vast and evolving maritime transport sector, now has just one Additional Secretary, Ms T Kumar, also working as Financial Advisor to the Ministry.
Kumar also handles the same charge for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
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The Shipping Ministry has sought another Additional Secretary as it requires more hands at the top level to keep pace with the fast expanding sector, official sources said.
The new Additional Secretary will have the responsibility to oversee all areas relating to shipping, ports, waterways and among others, they added.
The Shipping Ministry now has four Joint Secretaries and a Secretary. Additional secretary's rank is a notch above the Joint Secretary.