Question : RESTRICTION ON IMPORT OF SHIPS

(a) whether the Committee constituted to consider the question of continuing restriction on import of small ships and floating crafts had recommended the continuation of such restrictions till 2001;

(b) if so, whether the import of vessel is going to deregulate after March 31, 2001 as per WTO norms;

(c) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to continue these restrictions in the interest of domestic ships building industry;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard;

(e) whether Indian shipyards are able to build small ships and floating crafts at competitive rates;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) the number of shipping vessels in the country as on the date?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)


(a) Yes, Sir.


(b),(c) & (d) Import restriction on all type of new ships as classified under export and import items are likely to be removed by 31.3.2001. Subsequent to removal of restrictions, all imports will be subject to applicable rate of customs duty. In view of this, no specific steps are required to be taken to continue these restrictions.

(e)&(f) In general, Indian Shipyards are not able to build ships and floating crafts at competitive rates. However, some reputed private shipyards had constructed tugs for export at competitive rates. Few more orders from foreign countries are also under execution.

(g) As on 1.3.2001, there were 546 coastal and overseas vessels aggregating 6.84 million Gross Registered Tonnage(GRT) in the country registered under Merchant Shipping Act.