Lok Sabha clears Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill & Indian Ports Bill, paving the way for a modern, competitive maritime sector.

In a significant legislative development, the Lok Sabha passed the ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024,’ introduced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. This bill marks a major step forward in modernising India’s maritime legal framework, aligning it with global best practices, and enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in the sector. The EODB framework is designed to simplify regulatory processes, reduce compliance burdens, and improve operational efficiency for businesses.

Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024

The new bill replaces the colonial-era ‘Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925,’ which was rooted in outdated Hague Rules. The 1925 Act’s archaic language and limited scope were misaligned with modern commercial realities. The new legislation addresses these shortcomings by simplifying legal language, reducing ambiguities, and making the law more accessible to stakeholders such as exporters, importers, and shipping professionals.

Key features of the bill include:

• Simplified Structure: Clearer legal language to reduce litigation risks and enhance accessibility.
• Alignment with International Conventions: Provisions to adapt to evolving global maritime norms.
• Transparency and Accountability: Parliamentary oversight of executive notifications ensures robust governance.
• Repeal of Colonial Legacies: A formal departure from the outdated 1925 Act, creating a modern Indian maritime legal identity.

The bill strengthens the legal foundation for maritime commerce, boosts investor confidence, and supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a globally competitive maritime hub. Shri Sonowal described the passage of the bill as a historic step in fulfilling the government’s commitment to a future-ready and globally aligned maritime sector.

Introduction of the Indian Ports Bill, 2025

In addition to passing the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, the Lok Sabha witnessed the introduction of the ‘Indian Ports Bill, 2025.’ This transformative bill seeks to modernise India’s port governance framework, enhance operational efficiency, and promote integrated port development.

Key highlights of the Indian Ports Bill include:

• Empowering State Maritime Boards: enabling better management of ports other than major ones.
• Formation of the Maritime State Development Council: Structured planning for port growth.
• Focus on Safety, Security, and Sustainability: Addressing pollution control, disaster management, navigation, and environmental compliance.
• Port Conservation and Dispute Resolution: Mechanisms for port conservation and efficient adjudication of port-related disputes.

The bill emphasises integrated port development, optimising India’s vast coastline, and strengthening the country’s global competitiveness in maritime trade. Shri Sonowal stated, “This reform reflects India’s ambition to establish a robust, modern, and efficient port management system that aligns with global maritime conventions.”

India’s Push Toward Maritime Excellence

The dual focus on modernising maritime laws and port governance underlines the government’s vision of making India a global leader in maritime trade. By addressing long-standing inefficiencies and introducing clarity in legal frameworks, these legislative reforms aim to reduce costs, streamline processes, and foster an environment conducive to business growth.

The Lok Sabha’s approval of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill and the introduction of the Indian Ports Bill are pivotal milestones in India’s maritime history. These initiatives underscore the government’s broader commitment to enhancing EODB, modernising infrastructure, and building a globally competitive shipping ecosystem.

 Source: PIB