Many in the industry asked whether the marine regulator was treating some ships "more equally".
When contacted, Darse refused to comment on the issue, and merely said they were taking steps in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act.
However, justifying the ban on old vessels, the DGS through a circular dated April 25 said: "The analysis of the accidents over the past three years showed a significant correlation between the age of the vessels and the break-downs, which caused huge casualties. Therefore, in the interest of marine shipping, the guidelines for chartering of vessels were being revised and a tighter regime of surveys and inspection was being brought on recommendations from an expert committee appointed by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways."
Chairman of a shipping company, who did not want to be named, said this was a clear case of discrimination between companies. "What is the logic behind stating that old