India Bolsters Maritime Sector with New Shipping Bill Amidst Political Turmoil
Parliament passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, aiming to enhance India's maritime sector's bankability and ensure safety and security. Despite Opposition protests over electoral roll revisions in Bihar, the bill was approved with a focus on modernizing regulations, supporting seafarers' welfare, and protecting the marine environment.
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In a significant legislative move, India's Parliament approved the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, designed to boost the country's maritime sector by improving bankability and reinforcing ship safety. The bill, aimed at modernizing outdated laws, was passed amidst ongoing political protests from the opposition, who demanded attention on other pressing national issues.
Introduced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the bill focuses on expanding vessel ownership criteria and enhancing safety protocols in marine operations. Sonowal highlighted India's position as a leading seafarer supplier and addressed the need to update the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 to meet contemporary maritime challenges.
The bill emphasizes safety in navigation, marine environment protection, and seafarers' welfare. While the opposition criticized the timing and handling of the bill's passage, government officials asserted their commitment to addressing all national concerns democratically, condemning disruptions caused in the legislative process.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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