India Launches Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre

• 14 Sep 2024

On 13th September 2024, at the 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting in Goa, India inaugurated the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) and discussed plans for a mega shipbuilding park.

• The Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) was launched to address maritime disputes, offering industry-driven, merit-based solutions, and will be based in Mumbai.
• A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the India International Arbitration Centre for the establishment of the IIMDRC.
• Over 100 issues from various coastal States were deliberated and resolved at the MSDC meeting, including establishing Places of Refuge for ships in distress and enhancing port security through Radioactive Detection Equipment infrastructure.
• The Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), a policy think tank, was also launched to bring together maritime stakeholders for knowledge sharing, innovation, and strategic planning.
• The Ministry unveiled plans for a mega shipbuilding park, which aims to consolidate shipbuilding capabilities across multiple states, making India a key hub in the global shipbuilding industry.
• The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, is set to showcase India’s maritime heritage and foster international collaborations, with agreements signed or in progress with countries like Portugal, France, and Vietnam.