Parliament Passes Two Key Bills to Modernise Shipping

07 Aug 2025 CW Team

In a landmark development, the Indian Parliament has passed two crucial maritime legislations — the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025 — marking a significant milestone for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). These new laws aim to establish a modern, efficient and globally compliant maritime policy framework for the country.

The Lok Sabha approved the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. The Bill includes 16 parts and 325 clauses, aligning India’s legal structure with international maritime conventions. It focuses on safety at sea, environmental protection, improved emergency response, seafarer welfare, and the promotion of Indian shipping tonnage. The Bill is designed to reduce regulatory burden and enhance India’s status as a reliable maritime jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, repealing the nearly century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925. The new legislation adopts the globally recognised Hague-Visby Rules and aims to simplify maritime trade laws, minimise litigation, and improve commercial efficiency. This move supports the government's broader agenda to modernise the legal framework by eliminating colonial-era laws and promoting ease of doing business.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the legislation as a historic moment and a clear endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform India’s shipping industry. Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur echoed this sentiment, emphasising the shift from outdated legal frameworks to progressive, transparent and globally relevant standards.

Both Bills are intended to make India’s maritime trade regulations future-ready, improve compliance with international trade agreements, and stimulate sustainable growth and innovation across the shipping and logistics sector.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..