New Delhi: The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament with Rajya Sabha approval on August 11, 2025, following Lok Sabha passage on August 6, replaces the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, with a framework of 16 parts and 325 clauses, down from 561 sections. Presented by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the bill aligns India’s maritime laws with International Maritime Organisation conventions, adopting global best practices. It focuses on reducing compliance burdens, enhancing navigational safety, protecting the marine environment, strengthening emergency preparedness and salvage operations, increasing tonnage under the Indian flag, and securing the coastline.
The bill is one of four maritime reform bills passed in the current session, marking a “historic legislative effort” by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
Sonowal described the bill as “a decisive step towards positioning India as a trusted maritime trade hub,” emphasising its shift to an enabling policy environment. “It incorporates global best practices, reduces compliance burdens, and ensures comprehensive adoption of our international commitments,” he said, noting its role in boosting India’s bankability as a maritime hub. The legislation aims to foster investor confidence, support ease of doing business, and promote sustainability, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat. The streamlined framework is designed to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure and security.
The MoPSW’s passage of four bills in one session reflects a focus on modernising India’s maritime sector. Sonowal stated, “India’s maritime sector is being empowered with a forward-looking, enabling policy framework,” enabling ports, shipping, and waterways to handle greater global trade. This shift from regulation to enablement aims to attract investment and create jobs. The ministry leverages India’s position as a major seafarer supplier and key player in global shipping routes to drive economic growth.
The bill aligns domestic laws with international standards to address current and future maritime challenges. Sonowal noted, “India is not just keeping pace with global maritime standards; we are setting the stage for our ports, shipping, and waterways to play a central role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.” The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, supports India’s emergence as a maritime power, fostering trade and sustainability.
– global bihari bureau
