Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. Download the ETInfra App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. In such cases the maximum age of the vessel will be determined as on the date of commencement of service or cargo carriage.Foreign flag vessels exceeding the entry age range will not be considered for granting permit. However, an Indian flag vessel would continue to enjoy ‘cabotage’ benefits for operating along the coast after entry age until the prescribed exit age. No foreign flag vessel can compete under the same age category, thus creating more demand for flagging of vessels under the Indian flag,” a government official said.

Source: Economic Times January 21, 2026 19:48 UTC