A Bill to consolidate and amend the law relating to ports, for the safety and security, prevention and containment of pollution at ports, to ensure compliance with the country’s obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party; take measures for conservation of ports; to empower and establish State Maritime Boards for effective administration, control and management of nonmajor ports in India; provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for redressal of port related disputes and to empower a national council for fostering structured growth and development of the port sector, and ensure optimum utilization of the coastline of India, as may be necessary, and to provide for matters ancillary and incidental thereto, or connected therewith.