As a consultant of Mangalore, one among India’s proud maritime gateways, I see this as a well timed and transformative step for enabling port-led improvement on this Amritkaal, mentioned Capt. Chowta throughout a debate in Lok Sabha. | Photo Credit: Representational Image
Extending help to the Bill on the Lok Sabha throughout a debate, Capt. Chowta mentioned the Bill will enhance cargo at New Mangalore Port, which dealt with 46.01 million tonnes in 2024-25. It will entice new investments in transport, enhance welfare for 1000’s of native seafarers, and strengthen establishments like Mangalore Marine College and Technology, creating high-quality maritime professionals for India’s rising blue economic system.
The MP added, “As a consultant of Mangalore, one among India’s proud maritime gateways, I see this as a well timed and transformative step for enabling port-led improvement on this Amritkaal.“
The landmark laws will modernise India’s maritime sector and considerably enhance commerce, employment, and coastal safety in Mangaluru and the broader Dakshina Kannada area. Besides propelling India in direction of turning into a worldwide transport hub, the Bill is a step to strengthen the maritime sector, guaranteeing protected, environment friendly and sustainable maritime operations for a rising India, he mentioned.
The Bill introduces key reforms together with versatile vessel registration, easing possession norms to draw overseas and NRI-led funding; enhanced security and environmental requirements aligned with worldwide conventions to guard marine ecosystems; help for capital-deficient entrepreneurs and MSMEs by way of bareboat constitution preparations; expanded coastal safety provisions in response to threats like 26/11; welfare measures for Indian seafarers, benefiting the 85% serving on foreign-flagged vessels; and a authorized framework for maritime training to standardise over 160 coaching institutes throughout India.
Bill handed
Following the discussions, the Lok Sabha handed the Bill, geared toward increasing eligibility standards for possession of service provider transport vessels and offering for investigation and enquiries on marine casualties. The Bill empowers the Central authorities to take cost and detain vessels inside India or in coastal waters as a vessel with out nationality, if such a vessel shouldn’t be legally entitled to fly the flag of a State or has misplaced such proper. It seeks to repeal the Merchant Shipping Act 1958.
Published – August 06, 2025 07:38 pm IST
