Replacing the Indian Ports Act, 1908, the bills seeks to consolidate the law relating to ports in India. 

Key Highlights of the Bill 

• Establishment of Maritime State Development Council Boards: By the Central Government with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways as the ex-officio Chairperson. 
• Statutory Recognition to State Maritime Boards: Constituted by the State Government responsible for effective administration and management non-major ports. 
• Dispute Resolution: Mandates state governments to establish Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs) to adjudicate disputes involving non-major ports with appeals to the High Court.
  • No civil court shall have jurisdiction in matters under DRC. 
• Port Tariff: Fixed by the Board of Major Port Authority or Board of directors (for ports under Companies Act, 2013) in case of major ports. 
  • In case of non-major ports, the same is done by State Maritime Boards. 
• Notification of New Ports and Altering of Port Limits: By the Central Government in consultation with State Government. 
• Mega Ports: Empowers Central Government, in consultation with the State Government, to specify the criteria for classification of one or more port as a mega port.
• Environmental & Safety Compliance: In Compliance with international obligations like MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) and Ballast Water Management Convention.