Introduction

India’s maritime industry is on the brink of a transformation with the introduction of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. Spearheaded by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, this bill is set to revolutionize maritime regulations, replacing the decades-old Merchant Shipping Act of 1958. The key objectives include expanding ship ownership eligibility, increasing Indian-flagged vessel tonnage, ensuring safety, enhancing maritime education, and addressing environmental protection in shipping operations.

As a nation with a rich maritime heritage, India stands to benefit immensely from these modern regulations. This blog delves into the core features, objectives, and implications of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, highlighting how it will impact the shipping industry, seafarers, and the environment.

Why is the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 Necessary?

1. Outdated Legislation

The Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 has governed India’s shipping sector for over six decades. Given the rapid advancements in technology, global shipping practices, and trade dynamics, this old legislation no longer meets modern needs. The new bill aims to introduce contemporary regulations that align with:

• India’s Economic Growth
• Global Shipping Standards
• Modern Safety Protocols

2. Enhancing India’s Shipping Fleet

India needs to boost its fleet size to remain competitive on the global stage. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 aims to:

• Expand eligibility criteria for ship ownership.
• Encourage more vessels to be registered under the Indian Flag.
• Facilitate the temporary registration of foreign vessels chartered by Indian companies.

This move is designed to make India a stronger player in international shipping, thus boosting trade and economic growth.

Key Objectives of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024

1. Expanding Eligibility for Ship Ownership

The bill removes restrictive barriers and opens doors for more entities to own ships under the Indian flag. This helps:

• Increase Vessel Tonnage: More vessels under the Indian flag will boost overall tonnage.
• Boost Trade: Enhanced fleet size improves India’s ability to participate in global trade.
• Attract Investment: Liberalized ownership rules attract more investors to the maritime sector.

2. Temporary Registration of Foreign Vessels

To quickly boost the Indian fleet, the bill allows for:

• Temporary Registration: Foreign vessels chartered by Indian companies can register temporarily under the Indian flag.
• Recycling Facilitation: Vessels intended for recycling in India can obtain temporary registration, promoting India’s ship recycling industry.

3. Provisional Registration of Indian Ships

To reduce delays, the bill introduces provisional registration, allowing Indian ships to operate while awaiting full registration. This facilitates:

• Efficiency: Ships can commence operations without bureaucratic hold-ups.
• Recycling Promotion: Eases the process of bringing vessels to Indian recycling yards.

Establishing a New Regulatory Body

To streamline maritime governance, the bill proposes a new regulatory body focused on:

• Vessel Safety
• Port Security
• Environmental Compliance

This body will ensure that India’s shipping operations meet global safety and security standards, improving overall governance and operational efficiency.

Maritime Education and Training

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 places a strong emphasis on improving maritime education and seafarer training. Key initiatives include:

1. Certification System for Indian Seafarers

• International Compliance: Aligns Indian maritime training with international labour standards.
• Skill Enhancement: Improves the qualifications of Indian seafarers.
• Employment Opportunities: Enables Indian seafarers to compete for jobs in global shipping markets.

2. Promoting Quality Training

By enhancing maritime education, India can ensure that its workforce is skilled, efficient, and capable of handling modern maritime challenges.

Environmental Protection Measures

Shipping operations have a significant environmental impact. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 introduces stringent measures to prevent maritime pollution and protect the environment.

Key Provisions

• Pollution Containment: Measures to contain and mitigate pollution from vessels.
• Incident Reporting: Mandates timely reporting of pollution incidents.
• Coastal Protection: Steps to protect air, sea, and coastal areas from environmental harm.

These measures ensure that India’s shipping industry grows sustainably, balancing economic progress with environmental stewardship.

Government Authority and Actions

The bill enhances the Central Government’s power to regulate and take action in critical situations. Key authorities include:

1. Acting Against Illegal Vessels

The government can now:

• Seize Vessels: Take action against ships illegally flying the Indian flag.
• Assist Abandoned Ships: Direct port authorities to provide assistance for abandoned vessels.

2. Ensuring Safety Standards

Unsafe vessels pose risks to public safety and the environment. The bill empowers the government to:

• Detain Unsafe Vessels: Prevent vessels that don’t meet safety standards from operating.
• Enforce Compliance: Ensure that all vessels comply with modern safety regulations.

Benefits of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024

1. Economic Growth

• Enhanced Trade: Larger fleet size boosts trade opportunities.
• Investment Attraction: Modern regulations attract foreign and domestic investment.

2. Improved Safety and Security

• Vessel Safety: New regulatory body ensures adherence to safety protocols.
• Port Security: Enhances the security of India’s ports and waterways.

3. Environmental Sustainability

• Pollution Control: Stringent measures to protect coastal and marine ecosystems.
• Compliance with Global Standards: Ensures India meets international environmental obligations.

4. Empowering Seafarers

• Better Training: Certification system improves skills.
• Global Opportunities: Indian seafarers gain access to better employment opportunities worldwide.

Conclusion

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 is a timely and necessary reform that promises to modernize India’s maritime sector. By replacing outdated regulations, enhancing fleet capabilities, improving maritime education, and ensuring environmental protection, this bill positions India to become a global maritime powerhouse.

With the government’s renewed focus on safety, security, and sustainability, the Indian maritime industry is set for growth, innovation, and global recognition.

FAQs

1. What is the new Merchant Shipping Act?

The new Merchant Shipping Act is a proposed framework introduced through the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. This bill is designed to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and modernize India’s maritime regulations. The new act aims to:

• Expand eligibility for ship ownership.
• Increase the tonnage of vessels registered under the Indian flag.
• Improve vessel safety and port security.
• Introduce measures to prevent maritime pollution.
• Strengthen maritime education and training through a certification system for Indian seafarers.
• Facilitate temporary and provisional registration of vessels to boost fleet size and efficiency.

2. What is a Merchant Shipping Bill?

Ans: A Merchant Shipping Bill is a legislative proposal introduced to regulate and oversee the maritime industry in a country. Specifically, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 is designed to:

• Replace the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 with updated and comprehensive regulations.
• Modernize rules for ship ownership, vessel registration, safety, and port security.
• Establish a new regulatory body to oversee maritime operations.
• Promote environmental protection by implementing pollution control measures.
• Improve maritime education by aligning seafarer certification with international standards.

3. What is Section 34 of the Merchant Shipping Act?

Ans: Section 34 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 pertains to regulations governing the registration of ships. Specifically, it outlines the procedures, requirements, and conditions under which a vessel can be registered under the Indian flag. This section ensures that all ships comply with the legal formalities necessary for official registration, including documentation and ownership verification.