India Launches New Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre for Disputes

During the 20th Maritime State Development Council meeting in Goa on 13 September, significant advancements for Indian shipping were announced. The Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) and the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) were launched to enhance the country’s maritime industry. The IIMDRC, located in Mumbai, will specialize in resolving maritime disputes through arbitration and mediation, aiming to establish India as a prominent hub for maritime arbitration. The IMC, a think tank, will focus on promoting collaboration and innovation among maritime stakeholders. Plans for a Mega Shipbuilding Park, spanning multiple coastal states, were also unveiled to consolidate shipbuilding capabilities across regions.

A keel-laying ceremony for India’s largest dredger, a 12,000-cubic-meter Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger, took place at Cochin Shipyard Limited during the meeting. This project, developed in collaboration with Royal IHC Netherlands, is expected to enhance the capabilities of major Indian ports and support the Maritime India Vision (MIV-2030). Progress on the Sagarmala program was highlighted, with 262 projects completed and 217 underway, reflecting significant investments in India’s maritime infrastructure. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, was also showcased as a future international tourist destination, with agreements signed with several countries already in place.

The meeting demonstrated the government’s commitment to advancing India’s maritime sector through various initiatives and partnerships. The establishment of the IIMDRC and IMC signifies a strategic move to enhance dispute resolution and collaboration within the industry. The Mega Shipbuilding Park and the keel-laying ceremony for the dredger underscore the country’s efforts to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities and support the Maritime India Vision. Progress on the Sagarmala program and the development of the NMHC at Lothal further showcase India’s dedication to improving its maritime infrastructure and heritage sites, positioning the country as a key player in the global maritime industry.

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