The Lok Sabha has passed the ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024’, marking a key reform aimed at modernising India’s maritime legal framework and improving Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in the shipping sector. Introduced by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, the new legislation replaces the outdated ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925’, which was based on the century-old Hague Rules. The old act was criticised for its complex language and limited applicability in today’s commercial environment.

The updated bill simplifies the legal language, making it more accessible to exporters, importers, and shipping professionals. It aligns maritime regulations with contemporary commercial practices, minimising ambiguities and reducing the scope for legal disputes. The legislation empowers the government to respond quickly to international maritime conventions, while ensuring parliamentary oversight on executive actions. The repeal of the 1925 Act represents a clear move away from colonial legal systems, reinforcing India’s commitment to building a modern and efficient maritime ecosystem.

Alongside this, the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, was introduced to consolidate laws related to port governance and promote integrated development of India’s vast coastline. The bill seeks to empower State Maritime Boards and establish the Maritime State Development Council, ensuring effective management of non-major ports and fostering structured port development.

The Indian Ports Bill also addresses critical aspects like safety, security, pollution control, disaster response, and navigation. It includes provisions for environmental sustainability, compliance with international maritime conventions, and the establishment of adjudicatory mechanisms to resolve port-related disputes. Together, these legislative reforms aim to transform India’s maritime infrastructure, improve efficiency, and elevate the country’s position in global maritime trade.