Ports in India to report abandoned ships and seafarer welfare cases

All major ports and other port authorities in India must submit details of abandoned, detained, arrested, immobilised, disabled, laid-up, stranded, grounded, drifting, unmanned and other non-operational vessels within their jurisdictions as part of an effort to monitor potential safety and security risks in Indian waters.

Port authorities have been given a 15-day deadline to submit consolidated information in respect of such vessels within their respective jurisdictions or areas of control, including port limits, berths, anchorages and port approaches.

In a formal notice dated 9 November 2026, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) said it aims to maintain a consolidated record of vessels that could affect the safety of people on board, port personnel, navigation, port infrastructure, port operations, maritime security and the marine environment.

The reporting will cover abandoned or suspected abandoned vessels, those detained by Port State Control or any other statutory authority, and vessels arrested or otherwise restrained pursuant to a court order or legal process.

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