New Maritime Laws Introduced in Lok Sabha

Ports Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced two major bills in the Lok Sabha: the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, and the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024. The legislation aims to align with international conventions, update carrier responsibilities, and streamline the transfer of rights over bills of lading.

Ports Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday introduced two pivotal bills—the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, and the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024—into the Lok Sabha.

The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, aims to comply with international conventions and reflect the evolving global maritime environment. It seeks to define the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities of carriers engaged in sea transportation of goods.

Meanwhile, the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024, focuses on simplifying the transfer of legal rights and liabilities to consignees and endorsees. It updates the rules related to the transfer of rights over bills of lading, a crucial document in sea trade, ensuring its role as definitive proof of goods onboard.

Highlighting the need for these updates, Sonowal pointed out that the existing Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, is nearly a century old. Contrarily, Saugata Roy from TMC opposed the bills, arguing that the current laws have served their purpose well and that the proposed amendments are unnecessary.

(With inputs from agencies.)