Centre for maritime Law

The world’s trade heavily relies on sea routes, which facilitate 90% of global commerce. The products essential to our daily lives are predominantly transported through maritime channels. Maritime Law is a specialized legal field that revolves around matters related to activities conducted at sea. It encompasses diverse domains such as navigation, commercial shipping, marine resource exploration, compliance with environmental regulations, maritime security, dispute resolution, the impact of emerging technologies, and safeguarding human rights within the maritime domain.

The VMLS Centre for Maritime Law (CML) aims to foster study, debates, discussions, and research in Maritime Law in India. India, with its vast coastline, boasts 12 major ports and hundreds of minor ports, where maritime trade has thrived for centuries. While maritime law in India has deep historical roots, there have been several recent developments. Issues pertaining to court jurisdiction, procedural and substantive laws concerning admiralty and maritime matters are yet to evolve in India in alignment with current international developments.

CML’s primary focus is on researching contemporary maritime law issues that align with technological advancements. This includes topics such as cryptocurrency and Bitcoin payments, electronic bills and documentary credits, and the rise of automated unmanned ships. Through such research, CML aspires to garner both global and local recognition by enhancing capacity building and providing relevant legal guidance to stakeholders in the maritime industry.

Strategically located in Chennai, a city with major ports and a significant shipping and trading hub in India, the Centre holds a pivotal role in promoting research and teaching in Maritime Law. The Madras High Court, a chartered and coastal High Court, exercises admiralty jurisdiction, with Admiralty Lawyers practicing this branch of law for over 150 years.

Primary Aims and Objectives of the Maritime Law Centre:

• To undertake teaching, research, and the publication of significant topics in Maritime law and related subjects.
• To promote research at an institutional level on related areas within VMLS.
• To influence policy-making on maritime matters and issues at the State, National, and International levels.
• To establish academic collaborations with both National and International Universities in the field of Maritime law.
• To establish a resource centre for students, academics, and maritime lawyers to access on-campus studies and research.