Merchant Shipping Bill, 2023: Cabinet Approves Withdrawal from Parliament

Posted 16 October 2025 Written by Acts Online
Category Transport

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: In terms of the legislative process for the maritime sector, Cabinet has approved the withdrawal of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2023, which was originally tabled in Parliament in May 2023.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2023, was intended to repeal and replace the Merchant Shipping Act, No. 57 of 1951. The proposed legislation aimed to modernise the regulatory framework for South Africa’s maritime industry and ensure alignment with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions to which South Africa is a signatory.

According to a statement following the Cabinet meeting, the withdrawal will allow the Department of Transport to conclude the National Economic Development & Labour Council (NEDLAC) process. This consultation process was reportedly initiated following submissions made by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) during parliamentary hearings in March 2025. The National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Transport further discussed the status of the Bill on 20 May 2025.

The withdrawal signifies that the Merchant Shipping Act, No. 57 of 1951, remains the primary legislative instrument governing merchant shipping in South Africa. The Department of Transport is expected to re-introduce the Bill once the NEDLAC negotiations and any resulting amendments are finalised.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; however, legal and maritime professionals should note the continued validity of the 1951 Act and the delay in the implementation of IMO-aligned standards.
  • For your business: Maritime and logistics firms must maintain compliance with the existing provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, No. 57 of 1951, and should pause any transition plans predicated on the 2023 Bill’s enactment.
  • For your clients: Advise clients in the maritime sector that the regulatory environment will not change in the immediate term, and that existing licensing, safety, and operational requirements under the 1951 Act remain in full effect.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/merchant-shipping-bill-2023-cabinet-approves-withdrawal-from-parliament

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.