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26 August 2026

National Shipping Board merchant fleet expansion

The National Shipping Board's roadmap is a specific policy initiative addressing critical infrastructure and economic self-reliance, directly relevant to GS3 infrastructure and economy syllabus components.

1 min read Day 2 of 2 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The National Shipping Board (NSB) has proposed a five-point roadmap to expand India's merchant fleet by 100 vessels over the next five years.
  • The roadmap focuses on five key areas: fiscal reforms, assured cargo support, competitive financing, regulatory streamlining, and ease of doing business.
  • The initiative aims to reduce India's reliance on foreign shipping lines for the transportation of critical commodities.
  • Critical commodities identified include crude oil, gas, coal, and urea.
  • India currently incurs approximately $75 billion annually in freight charges paid to foreign shipping entities.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 2 in India Maritime and Shipbuilding Sector Expansion, which has been running since 24 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the strategic importance of expanding India's domestic merchant fleet in the context of reducing dependence on foreign shipping lines and ensuring energy security. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The National Shipping Board has proposed a roadmap to enhance India's maritime logistics capacity. Analyze the potential economic impact of reducing freight outflows to foreign shipping lines and the structural reforms required to achieve this fleet expansion. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. What is the primary objective of the National Shipping Board's proposed roadmap to add 100 vessels to India's merchant fleet?

  2. Approximately how much does India spend annually on freight charges paid to foreign shipping lines according to the National Shipping Board?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-26/national-shipping-board-merchant-fleet-expansion