Parliament has recently passed two significant pieces of legislation: the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, aimed at modernizing India’s maritime laws and aligning them with international standards. These reforms are crucial for enhancing India’s role in global shipping and trade.
Modernization of Maritime Law
Previously, India’s maritime sector was primarily governed by the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1925. These laws were outdated and ill-equipped to address contemporary maritime challenges. The newly introduced bills aim to replace these colonial-era legislations with comprehensive, forward-thinking legal frameworks that promote clarity and efficiency in maritime operations.