In a significant advancement for India’s maritime sector, Parliament has passed two pivotal legislations: the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025. This marks the first legislative initiative from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and aims to modernize outdated maritime laws, aligning India’s shipping framework with international standards.
The Merchant Shipping Bill, which replaces the 1958 Merchant Shipping Act, focuses on streamlining governance, enhancing safety measures, promoting seafarer welfare, and bolstering environmental protections. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the bill as a critical step in positioning India as a global maritime leader.
Additionally, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, which repeals the century-old Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, incorporates the Hague-Visby Rules. This aims to simplify maritime trade laws, decrease litigation, and improve transparency and efficiency in commercial practices. Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur described the bill as a philosophical shift towards clarity and global relevance, reflecting the government’s commitment to removing colonial-era legal frameworks.
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