The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, paving the way for India to meet its obligations under maritime treaties and international instruments, while boosting the development of the nation’s shipping industry.
The legislation was cleared after a brief discussion, as opposition parties continued protests demanding a debate on the electoral roll revision in Bihar. Following its passage, the House was adjourned for the day.
Introduced in December 2024, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, seeks to replace the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, which currently governs merchant shipping in India and implements certain International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions.
Officials said the existing act has become outdated, lacking provisions to address several critical obligations under conventions India has since adopted.
The bill grants the central government authority to take charge of and detain vessels within Indian territory or its coastal waters if they are not lawfully entitled to fly a state’s flag or have lost that right.
The definition of “vessels” is also expanded to include mobile offshore drilling units, submersibles and non-displacement craft.
It introduces temporary registration for ships destined for recycling, a move aimed at promoting shipbreaking activities at hubs such as Alang.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways described the legislation as “progressive, advanced and modern,” incorporating global best practices from leading maritime nations.
With 325 clauses spread across 16 parts, the bill provides for the comprehensive adoption of India’s obligations under major international conventions, seeks to reduce the compliance burden for stakeholders, and aims to increase tonnage under the Indian flag.
It also sets out measures to prevent marine pollution, protect the coastline, address maritime liabilities and compensation, and improve transparency in investigations and enforcement.
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, while introducing the bill, said the reforms would allow for the swift removal of wrecks and efficient salvage operations when required.
“These reforms in the statutory framework will enable expeditious removal of wrecks and effective salvage operations as and when required,” Sonowal told Parliament.
“The new framework will also protect the marine environment by ensuring that any response to a marine incident remains focused on safety and environmental concerns.”
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