India has taken a giant leap in maritime reform as the Merchant Shipping Bill 2025 cleared its final hurdle in the Rajya Sabha today, following Lok Sabha approval on August 6. This landmark legislation modernises the nation’s maritime framework, aligns it with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions, and positions India as a global maritime power ready for present and future challenges.
Merchant Shipping Bill 2025 to replace outdated 1958 law
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, introduced the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, calling it “a decisive step towards positioning India as a trusted maritime trade hub.”
The Merchant Shipping Bill 2025 replaces the bulky Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, which contained 561 sections, with a modern, streamlined framework of 16 parts and 325 clauses. It adopts global best practices, reduces compliance burdens, boosts tonnage under the Indian flag, safeguards the marine environment, and strengthens emergency preparedness along India’s coastline.
Key features and benefits of the Merchant Shipping Bill 2025
- Ease of Doing Business: Reduces regulatory burdens, creating a more enabling policy environment.
- Global Standards: Fully incorporates India’s obligations under major international maritime conventions.
- Safety & Sustainability: Enhances navigation safety, life-at-sea protection, and environmental safeguards.
- Economic Growth: Expected to increase investor confidence, boost maritime trade, and generate employment.
Government’s vision for a Viksit Bharat
Under PM Narendra Modi’s vision, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has passed a record number of maritime legislations in a single Parliament session. This shift from mere regulation to enablement aims to increase India’s “bankability” as a maritime jurisdiction and strengthen its role in global shipping routes.
Shri Sonowal emphasised, “With these reforms, 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.”
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