India gets new maritime laws, replaces 100-year-old regulations
India just rolled out two fresh maritime laws—the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025 and the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025—signed by President Droupadi Murmu.
These replace regulations from nearly a century ago and are meant to bring India's sea trade rules up to speed with global standards, making things safer and more efficient.
What's in the new laws?
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act now follows international Hague-Visby Rules, which means clearer responsibilities for shipping companies and fewer legal headaches.
Ships have to meet stricter safety standards, and there are limits on how much companies pay if things go wrong (unless it's due to something totally out of their control).
Meanwhile, the Coastal Shipping Act tightens up who can operate in Indian waters—foreign ships need special licenses now—and sets regular plans to boost local coastal transport.
The goal: rely less on foreign vessels and make moving goods along India's coast smoother for everyone.