The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), India’s maritime administration under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, marked its 76th anniversary, celebrating more than seven decades of contribution to the nation’s shipping industry and seafarer community.
Since its establishment in 1949, the DGS has been instrumental in shaping maritime policy, regulating shipping operations, safeguarding seafarer welfare, and strengthening safety and environmental standards. It has also overseen India’s emergence as one of the world’s leading suppliers of trained and skilled seafarers while facilitating the modernization of shipping and port operations.
On the occasion, officials highlighted the Directorate’s ongoing efforts to align with global maritime conventions, accelerate digitalisation of regulatory processes, and enhance India’s profile in international shipping forums. With nearly 95% of India’s external trade by volume carried through maritime transport, the DGS remains central to supporting the nation’s trade ecosystem.
Senior officers reaffirmed the Directorate’s vision of building a robust, safe, and sustainable maritime sector in line with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047 roadmap. As it looks to the future, the Directorate General of Shipping continues to focus on fostering growth, ensuring safety at sea, protecting the marine environment, and advancing the welfare of seafarers—reinforcing its role as the backbone of India’s maritime administration.
