India and Pakistan will soon sign a revised protocol on shipping to remove constraints imposed by the earlier agreement.

"A revised protocol is likely to be signed shortly and is intended to remove restrictions imposed by 1975 protocol on lifting of cargo between the two countries by third country vessels as well of lifting of third country cargo by vessels from both countries," Shipping Minister T R Baalu said.

In a written reply to the Upper House of Parliament, he said Pakistani ships calling on Indian ports would be subjected to checking and scanning under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and other international convention.

In reply to another question, Baalu said the government was examining the objections raised by workers and unions to the agreement public sector Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) has reached with Goodearth Maritime Ltd for starting block fabrication work of steel in offshore platform yard.

He said HSL has also sought the government's approval for agreement, which is also being examined.

Baalu said capital restructuring of HSL has been submitted by the company and was also being examined.