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The Lok Sabha approved the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, which seeks to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958.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 Minister of State Shri Shantanu Thakur echoed this sentiment, emphasising the shift from outdated legal frameworks to progressive, transparent and globally relevant standards.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.

Real Estate

07 Aug 2026

BXB Estates Sets AED 110 Million Jumeirah Golf Estates Record

BXB Estates has completed an AED 110 million residential transaction at Jumeirah Golf Estates, setting a new sales record for the prestigious Dubai residential community.Negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, the deal surpassed the previous record of AED 58 million for a completed ready villa in the development.The six-bedroom residence offers 21,714 sq ft of built-up space on a 15,873-sq-ft plot. It features nine bathrooms, four living lounges, a home office, bar lounge, private cinema and rooftop terrace.The property also includes a dedicated wellness area comprising a ..

SECR Floats Rs 6,019 Mn EPC Tender For Paradol Nagpur Link

South East Central Railway (SECR) has invited bids for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new broad gauge single line between Paradol Takeoff Point and Nagpur Road Station in Chhattisgarh. The contract carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,019.0 mn and requires an earnest money deposit of Rs 120.4 mn. The work is framed as an EPC assignment intended to strengthen regional rail infrastructure. The tender, issued under number CAO-C-BSP-26-27-15, specifies a completion period of 730 days and a bid validity of 180 days. Two pre-bid meetings are scheduled for 24 Augu..

Indian Railways Reports Nine Per Cent Rise In July Freight Loading

Indian Railways handled 141.3 million tonnes (141.3 mn t) of freight in July, marking a rise of nine per cent year on year. Freight loading maintained a positive trajectory across the network compared with the same month last year. Passenger traffic also increased in July, contributing to higher overall network utilisation. The July outcome continued a pattern of steady monthly gains, reflecting gradual improvement in industrial and logistics activity. The growth in freight volumes reflected stronger demand across multiple sectors and improvements in logistics and train turnarounds. Enhanced r..