Mumbai, September 1, 2025 — The Directorate General of Shipping, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has appointed Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Adviser-cum-Senior Deputy Director General (Technical), as the Secretary of the National Shipping Board (NSB).

The appointment, approved by the Competent Authority, comes in continuation of the Ministry’s notification dated April 30, 2025, constituting the NSB for a two-year term. Capt. Nitin Mukesh will be headquartered in Mumbai and will discharge his new responsibilities in addition to his existing duties at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).

Recognized for his technical expertise and leadership in maritime affairs, Capt. Nitin Mukesh will play a key role in strengthening the functioning of the National Shipping Board, which serves as the apex advisory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. He will be assisted by Capt. Ravi Singh Sikarwar, Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Technical), who will support him in executing the board’s mandate.

The Secretariat of the NSB will function from New Delhi, with administrative and logistical support provided by the DGS in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

This development highlights the Government’s emphasis on strong technical leadership and experienced maritime professionals at the helm of policy advisory roles. Capt. Nitin Mukesh’s appointment is expected to further enhance the effectiveness of the NSB in shaping India’s maritime sector.

The National Shipping Board is an Advisory Body on matters related to shipping and shipping infrastructure (ports). The National Shipping Board was established on 1 March 1959.The Body was established by a recommendation to the Reconstruction Policy Sub-Committee as early as 1947. It comes under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (India), it looks into matters related to Indian Shipping. The National Shipping Board members are elected/nominated by Parliament, Lok Sabha.