National Shipping Board Rules 2026 Notified in Supersession of National Shipping Board Rules, 1960

On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways notified the National Shipping Board Rules, 2026 to ensure an effective advisory body that guides the Government of India on shipping-related matters and promotes the development of the maritime sector.

The provisions came into force on 20 May 2026.

All you need to know about the National Shipping Board Rules, 2026:

1. The National Shipping Board Rules, 2026, come under the ambit of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.

2. These Rules have been notified in supersession of the National Shipping Board Rules, 1960.

3. Constitution of Board:

   • The Central Government will set up the National Shipping Board by issuing a notification.

   • The Board will be created for 2 years at first and then will be re-created every 2 years.

   • If a new Board is not formed on time, the old Board will continue working, but only for a maximum of 6 months.

   • When a new Board is formed, all decisions and actions taken by the old Board will remain valid.

4. Term of office:

   • The Chairperson and other members, except Member of Parliament, serve for 2 years.

   • If the Chairperson’s post becomes vacant, the Central Government will appoint a new Chairperson.

   • If a Member of Parliament position becomes vacant, it will be filled by election.

   • If any other member’s post becomes vacant, the Central Government will appoint a replacement.

   • The new person, Chairperson or member, will serve only for the remaining period, not a full 2 years.

5. Resignation by Chairperson and member of Board:

   • The Chairperson can resign by writing to the Central Government, and a member can resign by writing to the Chairperson.

     However, they will continue working until the resignation becomes effective.

   • The resignation becomes effective when it is accepted or after 30 days from the date of submission, whichever happens earlier.

6. Removal of Chairperson and members from office:

   • The Central Government can remove the Chairperson or any member of the Board if:

     ✓ They stay outside India for more than 6 months without permission;

     ✓ They miss 3 meetings in a row without permission;

     ✓ They are declared insolvent;

     ✓ They are convicted of a serious offence of moral wrongdoing;

     ✓ They no longer represent the group/interest they were appointed for.

   • The Government can also remove a member if it thinks the person should not continue, but it will have to record reasons in writing and give the person a chance to explain.

7. Secretary Board:

   • The Central Government appoints a Secretary to the Board, either a member or any other person.

   • The Secretary works under the control of the Board and helps the Chairperson.

   • Main duties of Secretary:

     ✓ Arrange meetings of the Board as directed by the Chairperson;

     ✓ Maintain records (minutes) of meetings;

     ✓ Perform any other tasks assigned by the Board.

8. Secretarial assistance to Board:

   • The Board will get secretarial support from the Director-General.

   • The Director-General will appoint staff needed for the Board’s work.

   • These staff members will be part of the Director-General’s office.

   • All expenses like salary and allowances of staff will be paid from the Director-General’s budget.

9. The Headquarters of the National Shipping Board will be in New Delhi.

10. Members of the Board will be entitled to travel and daily allowances.

11. Procedure for conduct of business:

    • The Board will usually meet every 3 months.

    • Meetings can be called by the Chairperson.

    • The Chairperson decides the time and place of meetings.

    • Members must be given at least 15 days’ notice.

    • If a member does not receive the notice, the meeting is still valid.

    • In urgent cases, the Chairperson can call a meeting with shorter notice.

    • Agenda to be discussed will be sent along with the notice, or soon after.

    • If a member wants to discuss something:

      ✓ They must give written notice 7 days in advance with details.

      ✓ The Chairperson may allow late items if needed.

    • Only listed items are discussed, unless the Chairperson permits otherwise.

    • The Chairperson presides over meetings.

    • In case the Chairperson is absent, members can choose someone to preside.

    • The Chairperson controls the meeting, including postponing it if required.

Read more:

Modern Maritime Governance takes shape under Merchant Shipping Act, 2025

[National Shipping Board Rules 2026: Key Provisions, Aim, Structure & Functions Explained, dt. 20 May 2026]