Ship License

Operating a vessel in India requires compliance with a complex framework of maritime laws, shipping regulations, safety standards, and international conventions. Ship owners, shipping companies, charterers, vessel operators, logistics businesses, and maritime investors must obtain the necessary registrations, licenses, certifications, and operational approvals before engaging in coastal or international trade. Under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and regulations administered by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), vessels must satisfy requirements relating to registration, seaworthiness, classification, manning, insurance, safety management, and environmental compliance. Failure to maintain regulatory compliance can lead to detention, penalties, operational disruptions, and commercial losses. Our maritime law team provides comprehensive legal and regulatory support for ship registration, vessel licensing, chartering arrangements, marine insurance, compliance audits, port state inspections, and maritime dispute resolution. We assist clients throughout the vessel lifecycle—from acquisition and registration to commercial operations and regulatory compliance.