The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W) on July 07, 2026, issued the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Vessels) Rules, 2026.
They shall come into force on July 16, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Rules establish a comprehensive framework for controlling air pollution from ships by prescribing limits on emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone-depleting substances, volatile organic compounds, shipboard incineration, fuel oil quality, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• They mandate surveys, inspections, maintenance of pollution prevention equipment, and reporting of accidents affecting emission control systems, while requiring eligible vessels to obtain and maintain Indian/International Air Pollution Prevention Certificates, International Energy Efficiency Certificates, and Statements of Compliance relating to fuel oil consumption reporting and operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings.
• The Rules also require ships to maintain approved Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans (SEEMPs), submit annual fuel oil consumption and carbon intensity data, implement corrective action plans for persistently poor CII ratings, and comply with certification, survey, and verification requirements administered by the Director General of Shipping or recognised organisations.
• These measures aim to reduce emissions from the shipping sector, improve energy efficiency, strengthen environmental compliance, and bring India's maritime regulatory framework in line with international standards.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 586(E)]
