Sailing towards a self-reliant, globally competitive India.

Parliament Passes Merchant Shipping Bill to Boost India’s Maritime Strength.

Parliament has approved the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, paving the way to modernise India’s six-decade-old shipping law and boost the nation’s maritime competitiveness. The Bill expands ownership eligibility for Indian-flagged vessels to include NRIs, OCIs, joint ventures, and corporates, aiming to increase India’s shipping tonnage. It allows registration of ships acquired via bareboat charter cum demise (BBCD) contracts before full payment, encourages electronic registration, and recognises digital agreements, records, and certifications. These reforms are designed to attract investment, reduce foreign freight dependency, and strengthen India as a bankable shipping jurisdiction. With Indian-flagged vessels currently carrying less than 5% of overseas cargo, the Bill addresses risks from geopolitical disruptions and supply chain shocks. It aligns with the Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047 Vision to make Indian shipping self-reliant, globally competitive, and a key driver for achieving a $5 trillion economy.