4 days ago
Merchant Shipping Bill will positively impact maritime sector in Mangaluru: Capt. Chowta
Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP for Dakshina Kannada, on Wednesday, said the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2025, will have a positive impact on the maritime sector in general and on that of Mangaluru in particular.
Extending support to the Bill at the Lok Sabha during a debate, Capt. Chowta said the Bill will increase cargo at New Mangalore Port, which handled 46.01 million tonnes in 2024-25. It will attract new investments in shipping, improve welfare for thousands of local seafarers, and strengthen institutions like Mangalore Marine College and Technology, creating high-quality maritime professionals for India's growing blue economy.
The MP added, 'As a representative of Mangalore, one of India's proud maritime gateways, I see this as a timely and transformative step for enabling port-led development in this Amritkaal.'
The landmark legislation will modernise India's maritime sector and significantly boost trade, employment, and coastal security in Mangaluru and the wider Dakshina Kannada region. Besides propelling India towards becoming a global shipping hub, the Bill is a step to strengthen the maritime sector, ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable maritime operations for a rising India, he said.
The Bill introduces key reforms including flexible vessel registration, easing ownership norms to attract foreign and NRI-led investment; enhanced safety and environmental standards aligned with international conventions to protect marine ecosystems; support for capital-deficient entrepreneurs and MSMEs through bareboat charter arrangements; expanded coastal security provisions in response to threats like 26/11; welfare measures for Indian seafarers, benefiting the 85% serving on foreign-flagged vessels; and a legal framework for maritime education to standardise over 160 training institutes across India.
Bill passed
Following the discussions, the Lok Sabha passed the Bill, aimed at expanding eligibility criteria for ownership of merchant shipping vessels and providing for investigation and enquiries on marine casualties. The Bill empowers the Central government to take charge and detain vessels within India or in coastal waters as a vessel without nationality, if such a vessel is not legally entitled to fly the flag of a State or has lost such right. It seeks to repeal the Merchant Shipping Act 1958.
