Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, and Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024

The Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, on August 6, 2025, amid ongoing protests by the Opposition concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. In tandem, the Lok Sabha approved the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024.

Legislative Developments

• The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha despite protests.
• The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, aims to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958.

Features of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024

• It is progressive, future-ready legislation aligning India with global maritime standards.
• The bill modernizes India's maritime legal framework.
• It aims to enhance safety at sea, improve emergency response, and ensure environmental protection.
• The legislation seeks to reduce compliance burdens, promote Indian tonnage, and prioritize seafarer welfare and ship safety.
• The intent is to position India as a global leader in maritime trade and governance.

Features of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025

• The Bill repeals the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, adopting the Hague-Visby Rules.
• It brings India in line with global maritime standards followed by countries like the United Kingdom.
• The legislation aims to simplify maritime trade laws, reduce litigation risks, and enhance transparency and commercial efficiency in cargo movement by sea.

Statements from Union Ministers

The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways emphasized that the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, represents a decisive step towards making India a global leader in maritime trade.