DG Shipping India: The 2026 Merchant Shipping (Cargoes & Oil Fuels) Rules Guide

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🇮🇳 DG Shipping India | Draft Rules 2026

Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes & Oil Fuels) Rules, 2026

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has officially introduced the draft Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels) Rules, 2026. Superseding the nearly three-decade-old 1995 rules, this new framework aligns Indian maritime operations with the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and the latest international IMO mandates.

📖 Scope and Regulatory Framework

These rules are designed to modernize how cargo and fuel are handled on both Indian-flagged vessels and foreign ships operating within Indian territorial waters. Key focus areas include:

  • Universal Application: Covers all Indian ships and foreign ships calling at Indian ports.
  • Safety Standards: Strict protocols for stowage, securing, and hazardous material handling.
  • Environmental Protection: Operational controls for oil fuel to prevent pollution incidents.
  • International Alignment: Direct references to the latest IMO safety recommendations.

⚙️ Operational Impact

  • Update Cargo Securing Manuals (CSM).
  • Revise Bunkering & Fuel Transfer SOPs.
  • Mandatory Crew Drills for spill prevention.
  • Digitized documentation for audit readiness.

⚖️ Legal Enforcement

Powers are derived from Sections 116, 130, and 319 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. Following the public consultation window (Dec 2025–Jan 2026), these rules will be legally binding upon publication in the Official Gazette.

⚖️
Compliance Note: Foreign vessels in Indian waters are subject to inspection and must adhere to these carriage provisions to avoid detention by Port State Control (PSC).

🔎 Quick Reference: Compliance Table

Functional Area Required Action Reference
Cargo Securing Manual update & crew verification Rule 2026 Sec 4
Bunkering SOPs Enhanced spill prevention logs Rule 2026 Sec 9
Documentation E-logs & incident reporting Act 2025 Clause 319
IMO Alignment Cross-check with latest MSC Circulars Global Standards

📚 Mandatory Regulatory References

Essential publications for compliance with the 2026 DG Shipping Rules.

SOLAS Consolidated Edition 2020

Buy Now

MARPOL Consolidated Edition 2022

Buy Now

ISM Code Guide

Buy Now

Marine Engineering Practice

Buy Now

Ship Construction & Stability

Buy Now

✏️ Officer's Study & Office Essentials

Maritime Study Planner

View

Highlighter Set

View

Notebook & Register

View

Professional Pen Set

View

Desk Organizer

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Conclusion

The Merchant Shipping Rules 2026 mark a significant leap towards a safer and more efficient Indian maritime industry. Early preparation—by updating manuals, conducting drills, and ensuring documentation is digital-ready—will be the hallmark of professional ship operators in the coming year.

📌 SEO Keywords: DG Shipping 2026 Rules, Merchant Shipping Act 2025, Carriage of Cargoes Oil Fuels Rules India, DG Shipping Draft Rules, Indian Maritime Safety Compliance, IMO Ship Cargo Safety.
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Location: Panskura, West Bengal, India

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