The Lok Sabha has passed an important bill — ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024’ — in an attempt to modernise, update the legal framework as well as enhance Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in India’s maritime sector. The bill was introduced by Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
In an effort to support the country’s growing shipping sector, the bill marks a significant legislative reform by replacing the colonial-era ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925’. The colonial era act was rooted in the century-old Hague Rules, which limited scope with complex language, and misaligned with modern commercial realities. The new bill addresses these gaps with clarity, foresight and renewed relevance for a rapidly evolving maritime sector.
Said Mr Sonowal: “The passing of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill in the Lok Sabha marks a crucial step toward realising PM Shri Narendra Modiji’s vision of updating and modernising India’s legal framework—making it more relevant, efficient and accessible, while shedding colonial-era legacies that have impeded progress. The passage of this bill is a significant step toward strengthening India’s legal foundation for maritime commerce. It not only promotes investor confidence but also positions India as Viksit Bharat.”
‘Indian Ports Bill, 2025’ introduced to facilitate change
The Union Minister also introduced the ‘Indian Ports Bill, 2025’, aimed at consolidating laws related to port management, promoting integrated port development and enhancing ease of doing business in the maritime sector. The bill seeks to optimise the utilisation of India’s vast coastline by establishing and empowering State Maritime Boards to ensure effective management of ports other than Major Ports. It also proposes the formation of the Maritime State Development Council to foster structured growth and development of the port sector.
Mr Sonowal added: “Today marks a historic milestone in India’s journey towards a modern, efficient and globally competitive shipping sector. The passing of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha is a significant step in fulfilling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji’s vision of modernising India’s maritime sector to become future-ready and globally competitive.”
A key strength of the bill lies in its simplified language and structure, making the law more accessible to stakeholders, particularly Indian exporters, importers and shipping professionals. While retaining the substantive legal framework, the bill aligns it with contemporary drafting practices, reducing ambiguities and minimising the risk of potential litigation.
The bill empowers the government to swiftly adapt to evolving international maritime conventions. It also ensures transparency and accountability
by providing for parliamentary oversight of executive notifications (Clause 10). The legislation formally repeals the outdated 1925 Act, marking a confident step away from colonial legal remnants and embracing a modern Indian maritime legal identity. This aligns with the government’s broader vision of simplifying laws, promoting ease of doing business and building a globally competitive shipping ecosystem.
On the introduction of the Indian Ports Bill, the Minister said: “The introduction of the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha is a transformative step toward modernising India’s port governance and maritime infrastructure. By consolidating laws, empowering State Maritime Boards and establishing the Maritime State Development Council, the bill attempts a way for integrated port development and improved ease of doing business. With a strong focus on safety, security and environmental sustainability, this reform is set to enhance India’s global competitiveness in the maritime sector.”
The Indian Ports bill addresses critical aspects such as pollution control, disaster management, emergency response, security, safety, navigation and data management at ports. It also seeks to ensure India’s compliance with international obligations and maritime conventions. To safeguard India’s port infrastructure, the bill includes provisions for port conservation and introduces adjudicatory mechanisms for resolving port-related disputes efficiently. The Indian Ports Bill, 2025 aims to modernise India’s port governance framework, enhance efficiency and position India as a global leader in maritime trade, highlighted an official release.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, March 31