Parliament Approves Landmark Maritime Bills to Modernise India’s Shipping Sector

In a significant step towards reforming and modernising India’s maritime ecosystem, Parliament has passed two key legislations: the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025. These landmark reforms are designed to align India’s maritime governance with global standards, foster sustainable growth, enhance Indian tonnage, and improve the welfare of seafarers.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, which replaces the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 6, 2025. This comprehensive legislation empowers the central government to act against stateless vessels, thereby strengthening national maritime security. It also broadens the eligibility criteria for ownership of merchant vessels and introduces a robust framework for investigating marine casualties.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the passage of the Bill as a major policy milestone. “This legislation will reduce regulatory compliance burdens, bolster Indian tonnage, prioritise seafarer safety, and align India’s legal maritime framework with international norms,” he stated. He emphasised that the move reflects the Modi government’s vision to position India as a globally respected maritime jurisdiction.

Simultaneously, the Rajya Sabha approved the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, which replaces colonial-era legislation with a modern framework incorporating the internationally recognised Hague-Visby Rules. This Bill aims to simplify maritime cargo laws, enhance commercial transparency, and minimise litigation risks for businesses involved in sea trade.

Introduced by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, the Bill is a key initiative to promote ease of doing business and streamline regulations governing the transportation of goods by sea.

Together, these transformative legislations lay the foundation for a future-ready, investment-friendly, and innovation-driven shipping industry, reaffirming India’s commitment to becoming a leading maritime nation.