Overview

• The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation by voice vote on August 18 after roughly two hours of discussion, following Lok Sabha approval on August 12 to complete parliamentary clearance.
• Opposition members staged a walkout in the Upper House as they sought a discussion on electoral-roll revision in Bihar before the bill was taken up.
• The measure establishes a Maritime State Development Council and strengthens State Maritime Boards to coordinate planning and oversee non-major ports.
• Provisions require pollution controls, waste reception facilities, disaster and security protocols, and adherence to global standards such as MARPOL and Ballast Water Management.
• Ease-of-business steps include digitised procedures, a maritime single window for electronic data exchange, transparent tariff rules, decriminalisation of outdated offences, and new dispute-resolution mechanisms.