Lok Sabha Passes Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024

On 6th August 2025, Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024, through a voice vote.

Key Points

Bill Overview: The Bill seeks to modernise the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and align India’s maritime regulations with global conventions such as MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Convention.
Expanded Scope: The Bill broadens the definition of vessels to include mobile offshore drilling units, submersibles, and non-displacement crafts. It also introduces provisions for temporary registration of ships destined for recycling.
Focus on Alang: The new provisions aim to boost ship recycling activity in key Indian hubs like Alang, enhancing the sector's economic viability.
Regulatory Powers: The legislation empowers the Director-General of Marine Administration to regulate maritime education and training to ensure Indian seafarers meet international standards.
Significance: The Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024 represents a crucial step in strengthening India's maritime capabilities, promoting sustainability, safety, and global competitiveness in the shipping sector.