Photo: Raj Rana - Unsplash Shipping lines have complained that a new law proposed by India’s Shipping Ministry that pushes for greater transparency on ocean pricing amounts to “government interference”. The new legislation – Merchant Shipping Bill (MSB) 2020 – is meant to replace existing policies that were enacted several decades ago under the Merchant Shipping Act (MSA) 1958. The MSA is set to be repealed. The policymakers have set the stage for a regulatory framework to create greater transparency into ocean carrier pricing for export-import and domestic cargo transportation – an issue that has historically been complex and acrimonious. “Every service provider or agent, in respect of any Indian ship or other ship operating in coastal waters, in relation to import, export or domestic transportation, shall specify the all-inclusive freight in the bill of lading or any other transport document, in such mode and manner as may be notified,” the draft document said.