Merchant Shipping Bill 2024 Passed by Lok Sabha
Why in the news
The Lok Sabha cleared the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 on August 6, 2025 amid opposition protests, modernising maritime law for the blue economy.
Key facts
- Repeals the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and shrinks it to 16 parts and 325 clauses.
- Aligns with MARPOL, Wreck Removal, ILO-MLC and STCW conventions.
- India relies on shipping for 95% of its trade.
| Area | Provision |
|---|---|
| Ownership | NRIs, OCIs, companies, joint ventures can own Indian-flagged ships; bareboat charter cum demise (BBCD) ships register before ownership transfer |
| Stateless ships | Can be seized or detained in Indian waters |
| Casualty inquiry | Framework to probe pollution, wrecks, emergencies; enforces IMO conventions |
| Seafarers | Duties under MLC 2006 on health, repatriation, training, recruitment agencies; STCW-aligned training |
| Safety | Nairobi Wreck Removal (2007), Salvage (1989) and Bunker Oil conventions; pollution control and inspection powers |
Exam angle
- Act repealed: Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- Seafarer welfare convention: MLC, 2006.