The Indian Parliament has enacted the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, replacing the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. The Rajya Sabha approved the bill on August 11, 2025, following its passage in the Lok Sabha on August 6. This new legislation aims to align India’s maritime sector with global standards, enhance safety, improve seafarer welfare, and streamline regulatory processes for ship ownership and registration.
The comprehensive bill consists of 16 parts and 325 clauses, incorporating key international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and the Wreck Removal Convention. It introduces stringent safety protocols and pollution prevention measures, along with enhanced waste management requirements for ships. Additionally, the bill emphasizes seafarer welfare by strengthening training, certification, and dispute resolution in line with the Maritime Labour Convention.
Furthermore, the legislation facilitates easier ship registration, including early registration under bareboat charters, aimed at boosting Indian tonnage. It promotes digitalization through e-registration and electronic documentation while implementing risk-based inspections at ports to enhance compliance and efficiency.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the bill as a significant step towards establishing India as a global maritime hub, complementing other recent reforms and marking a major overhaul of the country’s maritime legal framework.
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