Souhard Sharma and Larina Mahajan | December 2024
The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, represents a significant legislative initiative to modernize India’s maritime regulatory framework. This legislation aims to supersede two existing statutes: the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (Act No. 44 of 1958) and the historically dated Coasting Vessels Act, 1838 (Act No. 19 of 1838). The Bill’s introduction follows the expiration of its 2016 predecessor, which lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha.
In its current formulation, the bill adopts a forward-looking approach focused on several key objectives: reducing regulatory compliance burdens, expanding maritime tonnage capacity, enhancing welfare measures for seafarers, strengthening maritime safety protocols, implementing robust marine pollution prevention measures, and fulfilling India’s international maritime obligations. These reforms are
designed to create a more transparent and business-friendly maritime sector while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental protection.