Centre tightens shipwreck rules, makes vessel owners liable for removal costs

New Delhi, Oct 24 (UNI) The Centre has notified new regulations making shipowners and operators primarily responsible for removing wrecked vessels from coastal waters, empowering maritime authorities to intervene in hazardous cases and recover salvage expenses from those liable. The Merchant Shipping (Wreck and Salvage) Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on October 23, came into force the same day, replacing the Merchant Shipping (Wrecks and Salvage) Rules, 1974. Under the notification, under Section 260 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, the registered owner or operator of a vessel involved in a maritime casualty will…