Shipping 2023

Law and Practice

1. Maritime and Shipping Legislation and Regulation

1.1 Domestic Laws Establishing the Authorities of the Maritime and Shipping Courts

In India, the main domestic laws establishing the jurisdiction and powers of the maritime and shipping courts are:

• the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017;
• the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958;
• the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925; and
• the Marine Insurance Act, 1963.

Common maritime and shipping claims filed in India include:

• charterparty disputes: disputes arising from the performance of charterparty contracts, including disputes relating to demurrage, laytime and hire;
• marine insurance claims: claims arising from marine insurance policies, including claims for loss or damage to vessels and cargo;