India approves bill boosting coastal cargo up to 230 million metric tonnes by 2030

It simplifies licensing for coastal shipping and regulates foreign coasting vessels.

India has approved the bill that aims to fuel the country’s coastal cargo share to 230 million metric tonnes by 2030.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Coastal Shipping Bill 2025 “is set to unlock the tremendous and vast potential of India’s 11,098 kilometres long strategic coastline, spanning nine coastal states and four union territories.”

The bill, earlier passed by the Lok Sabha on 3 April, seeks to simplify and modernise the legal framework governing coastal shipping, replacing Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025 comprises six chapters and 42 clauses. It introduces a simplified licensing system for coastal shipping and lays down the framework for regulating foreign vessels engaged in coasting trade. It also mandates the formulation of a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan to guide future infrastructure development and policy direction.

The legislation also provides for the creation of a National Database for Coastal Shipping, enabling real-time access to authentic and regularly updated data

Once implemented, the bill is expected to significantly enhance supply-chain security by increasing Indian ships’ participation in domestic cargo movement.