National Shipping Board

On 11th March 2026, the Union government held a high-level interaction with the National Shipping Board (NSB) to address emerging challenges in India’s shipping sector and review measures to strengthen maritime capacity amid evolving global geopolitical and trade dynamics.

NSB is a statutory body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
It was established in 1959 under Section 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
The NSB advises the government on policy matters related to:
- Merchant shipping
- Port development
- Maritime safety
- Maritime education and training.
It supports the growth and modernization of the Indian shipping industry by suggesting reforms and improvements.
Composition: It consists of Chairman and Members.
- Six Members elected by Parliament (Four from the Lok Sabha and two from Rajya Sabha from amongst its Members).
- The Central Government can appoint up to sixteen additional members to represent:Central Government, Ship-owners and Seamen and other related interests considered important by the government
Tenure: The Chairman and other members of the Board held office for a period of two years.