Mr GK Vasan minister of shipping informed the Rajya Sabha that the cruise Shipping Policy approved by the Government in 2008 envisages Cruise Shipping a path breaking development in India’s effort to carve a prominent space in world tourism and showcase India as a major source and destination of World tourism. With the implementation of this policy, the growth in diverse sectors could spill out and it could earn foreign exchange for the country and generate employment.

Five Major Ports namely Goa, Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai and Mangalore have been identified for development of cruise terminals.

In order to facilitate growth of Indian Shipping industry, the government has already initiated several measures for the shipping sector such as:

1. Acquisition of all types of ships has been brought under the open general license.

2. 100% Foreign Direct Investments in the shipping and port sectors has been allowed to attract investments.

3. All import contracts of Government Departments and PSU’s are finalized on FOB (Free on Board) basis through Transchart (Chartering Wing of Ministry of Shipping) with first right of refusal to Indian flag vessels.

4. Tonnage tax system introduced during 2004-05 has effectively brought down the tax liability of shipping companies at a level comparable to the international levels from the previous levels of corporate tax regime.