International Maritime Law Seminar Kicks Off at Gujarat Maritime University
Prominent jurists, naval experts, and maritime industry leaders gathered on Tuesday to inaugurate a significant week-long seminar focused on the 'Application of International Maritime Law' at Gujarat Maritime University in Gandhinagar. The event, which commenced on November 19, 2025, represents a crucial initiative to strengthen India's maritime governance capabilities.
Distinguished Inauguration and Key Participants
The program was formally inaugurated by Justice KR Shriram, the Former Chief Justice of the High Courts of Madras and Rajasthan. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of several eminent personalities from the legal and maritime sectors, including Justice Mohan Peiris, former Chief Justice of Sri Lanka, Vice Admiral (retired) G Ashok Kumar, and Prof S Shanthakumar, who serves as the Provost of Gujarat Maritime University and Director of Gujarat National Law University.
This collaborative gathering brings together diverse stakeholders from academia, policy-making circles, and the maritime industry, creating a unique platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building in maritime law and governance.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Maritime Law
During his inaugural address, Justice KR Shriram emphasized the specialized nature of maritime law and highlighted the existing knowledge gaps within India's legal system. He pointed out that before the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act of 2017, only three High Courts—Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras—had admiralty jurisdiction.
"The 2017 Act has extended this jurisdiction to High Courts in all coastal states. However, many lawyers and judges remain unfamiliar with the nuances of maritime law," Justice Shriram stated, according to an official release from GMU.
He strongly recommended that Gujarat Maritime University should organize similar programs not only for students but also for bureaucrats, legal professionals, and members of the judiciary to enhance understanding of this specialized legal domain.
Critical Importance for Global Trade and India's Maritime Ambitions
Prof S Shanthakumar, Provost of GMU, underscored the fundamental role of maritime law in global commerce during his remarks. "Without maritime law, the smooth functioning of global supply chains would be impossible—it provides certainty, predictability, and justice in an industry spanning multiple jurisdictions and involving billions of dollars in transactions daily," he explained.
He further emphasized that for India, with its extensive coastline and ambitious maritime development plans, a strong maritime legal framework is absolutely essential for supporting the nation's growing maritime economy and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
The week-long seminar aims to equip participants with advanced legal, operational, and regulatory knowledge necessary for addressing contemporary maritime challenges. By bringing together academic expertise, policy insights, and industry experience, the colloquium seeks to create a comprehensive understanding of international maritime law and its practical applications in today's complex maritime environment.
