New Delhi: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, while presenting the ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024’ by replacing the colonial-era ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925’ in the Lok Sabha, on Friday, asserted that the passage of new Bill will boost India’s legal foundation for maritime commerce.
The Union Minister said, “The passing of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill in the Lok Sabha marks a crucial step toward strengthening India’s legal foundation for maritime commerce. It not only promotes investor confidence but also positions India as Viksit Bharat.”
Minister Sonowal also introduced the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, aimed at consolidating laws related to port management, promoting integrated port development, and enhancing the 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.
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 allowing India 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The legislation formally repeals the outdated 1925 Act, marking a confident step away from colonial legal remnants and embracing a modern Indian maritime legal identity.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, Minister Sonowal 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.
(IANS)
