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Parliament Passes Two Key Bills to Modernise Shipping

2025-08-07

In a landmark development, the Indian Parliament has passed two crucial maritime legislations — the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 — marking a significant milestone for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). These new laws aim to establish a modern, efficient and globally compliant maritime policy framework for the country.

The Lok Sabha approved the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. The Bill includes 16 parts and 325 clauses, aligning India’s legal structure with international maritime conventions. It focuses on safety at sea, environmental protection, improved emergency response, seafarer welfare, and the promotion of Indian shipping tonnage. The Bill is designed to reduce regulatory burden and enhance India’s status as a reliable maritime jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, repealing the nearly century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925. The new legislation adopts the globally recognised Hague-Visby Rules and aims to simplify maritime trade laws, minimise litigation, and improve commercial efficiency. This move supports the government's broader agenda to modernise the legal framework by eliminating colonial-era laws and promoting ease of doing business.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the legislation as a historic moment and a clear endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform India’s shipping industry. Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur echoed this sentiment, emphasising the shift from outdated legal frameworks to progressive, transparent and globally relevant standards.

Both Bills are intended to make India’s maritime trade regulations future-ready, improve compliance with international trade agreements, and stimulate sustainable growth and innovation across the shipping and logistics sector.