Parliament passes five landmark maritime bills, replacing colonial-era laws

By Admin

23 Aug, 2025

Parliament has ushered in a new era for India’s maritime sector by passing five historic legislations during the Monsoon Session, marking the most comprehensive reform of maritime laws in over a century. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, hailed the move as a “historic moment for Bharat’s maritime journey,” highlighting that these reforms will strengthen the Blue Economy, enhance trade efficiency, and align Indian shipping with global standards.

A Major Shift from Colonial-Era Laws

For decades, India’s maritime framework was governed by outdated colonial laws, some over a hundred years old. The passage of these five bills marks a decisive step toward modernization, giving India a maritime system that supports its growing economy and global trade ambitions. This is also the first time that five key bills of the shipping and waterways ministry have been passed in a single session, underlining the government’s focus on maritime transformation.

The Five Landmark Maritime Bills

Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
This bill simplifies legal documentation in shipping, reducing disputes and improving the ease of doing business. By cutting down red tape, it paves the way for smoother maritime trade operations.

Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025
Replacing the 1925 Act, this legislation adopts the Hague-Visby Rules, bringing India in line with international practices. It is designed to minimize litigation and strengthen maritime trade ties, particularly supporting agreements such as the India–UK CETA.

Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025
Focused on reviving coastal shipping’s share in domestic logistics, this bill creates a dedicated legal framework. By aiming to increase coastal shipping’s 6% modal share, the measure is expected to save nearly ₹10,000 crore annually in logistics costs, reduce congestion, and lower carbon emissions.

Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025
This replaces the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and introduces updated provisions for seafarer welfare, ship safety, marine environmental protection, and faster wreck removal and salvage operations, ensuring greater efficiency and safety across India’s maritime sector.

Indian Ports Bill, 2025
One of the most transformative bills, it repeals the century-old Indian Ports Act, 1908. It establishes a Maritime State Development Council for coordinated planning, strengthens the role of state maritime boards in managing minor ports, and brings in new mechanisms for dispute resolution. The bill also incorporates ecological safeguards and promotes digital integration for transparent and sustainable port operations.

Unlocking India’s Maritime Potential

Sonowal emphasized that these reforms, driven under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represent a decisive break from colonial-era frameworks. They are set to unlock the full potential of India’s 7,500 km-long coastline, strengthen port-led development under the Sagarmala vision, and boost trade and investment opportunities.

“With these reforms, Bharat is charting a modern course for its Blue Economy,” the minister stated on X, adding that the legislation will pave the way for a resilient, future-ready maritime sector.

Conclusion

The passing of these five landmark bills not only strengthens India’s position in global shipping but also ensures that maritime operations are sustainable, efficient, and inclusive. By prioritizing digitalization, environmental safeguards, and international standards, the reforms will enhance trade competitiveness while supporting India’s long-term economic growth.