A new era begins in Maritime law in India

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Dated: 08.08.2025

A new era begins in Maritime law in India

In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Parliament has passed two landmark maritime bills in a single day, marking a historic first for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The passage of the ‘Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025’ and the ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025’ represents a decisive step towards modernizing India’s maritime framework, aligning it with global standards, and future-proofing the shipping sector. This achievement underscores the Modi government’s commitment to transforming India into a global leader in maritime trade and governance.

A Double Endorsement for Modern Shipping 

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the day as historic, emphasizing the significance of the two legislations in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a modern and efficient maritime sector. “Today, with the passage of the bills, the Modi government’s push for India’s modern shipping gets double endorsement from the Parliament,” he said.

Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025: A Progressive Framework 

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, passed by the Lok Sabha, replaces the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. With 16 parts and 325 clauses, the new legislation streamlines India’s maritime legal framework, aligning it with international conventions and best practices. It addresses contemporary challenges, enhances safety at sea, improves emergency response, and ensures environmental protection.

Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal described the bill as a “progressive and advanced legislation” that positions India as a global leader in maritime trade. The bill reduces compliance burdens, promotes Indian tonnage, prioritizes seafarer welfare, and strengthens ship safety. It aims to unlock sustainable growth, investment, and innovation in the sector, making India a globally respected maritime jurisdiction.

The need for this updated framework was evident, as the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, had become bulky and fragmented, with 561 sections that failed to address modern maritime challenges or fully implement India’s obligations under key International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions.

Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025: Simplifying Maritime Trade 

The Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, which repeals the century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925. This legislation is part of the government’s broader initiative to eliminate outdated colonial-era laws and align India’s legal framework with global best practices.

The bill adopts the Hague-Visby Rules, a globally accepted maritime standard followed by countries like the United Kingdom. By replacing complexity with clarity, the legislation simplifies maritime trade laws, reduces litigation risks, and enhances transparency and commercial efficiency in cargo movement by sea.

Union Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur highlighted the bill’s significance in modernizing India’s legal framework. “This Bill is not merely a statutory reform—it reflects a broader philosophy of governance led by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji: to replace complexity with clarity, outdated norms with modern standards, and colonial remnants with forward-looking laws that serve the interests of a resurgent India,” he said.

The bill also aligns India’s maritime trade laws with international trade agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the U.K. During discussions in the Rajya Sabha, members raised concerns about maritime security and smuggling risks, which the government assured were being addressed through statutory and operational safeguards.

A Vision for the Future 

The passage of these two bills is a testament to the Modi government’s commitment to modernizing India’s maritime sector. Over the past 11 years, major legal reforms have been undertaken to enhance efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness in the shipping and maritime sectors. These reforms aim to position India as a trusted maritime trade hub and unlock sustainable growth and innovation.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, are not just legislative milestones—they represent a broader vision for governance that prioritizes clarity, modern standards, and the interests of a resurgent India. With these bills, India is poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in maritime trade and governance, paving the way for a future-ready shipping sector.

Conclusion

The passage of these landmark bills marks a new era for India’s maritime sector. By modernizing outdated laws and aligning with international standards, the government has laid the foundation for sustainable growth, investment, and innovation. As India continues to rise as a global maritime power, these legislations will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future in shipping and trade.

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Source: PIB, Lok Sabha, Govt. of India

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