In recent years, the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the Ministry of Transport has innovated a one-stop dispute resolution mechanism integrating “Maritime Mediation + Maritime Arbitration”, achieving positive results. To date, MSAs in Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Qingdao, and other places have established long-term cooperation mechanisms with local judicial departments and arbitration institutions through signing agreements and setting up one-stop dispute resolution centers, working together to promote the resolution of maritime disputes. To expand the benefits of the “Maritime Mediation + Maritime Arbitration” system, the MSA has facilitated revisions to arbitration rules in Shanghai and Shenzhen. By introducing policies that reduce or waive arbitration fees for cases confirmed through the “Maritime Mediation + Maritime Arbitration” process, it has lowered dispute resolution costs and enhanced efficiency.

In April this year, the MSA Minhang in Shanghai successfully concluded a case where “Maritime Mediation” directly led to “Maritime Arbitration” confirmation, through an innovative “fast filing, fast hearing, fast conclusion” case handling model established with the Shanghai International Shipping Arbitration Court. The entire case handling cycle took only 5 working days, setting a strong example for wider promotion.

In recent years, the China Maritime Service Center has explored innovations in dispute resolution models through research projects like the “Study on Innovating the ‘Maritime Mediation + Maritime Arbitration’ Model”, focusing on the implementation pathways, working mechanisms, and methods of this model. “In the future, the Center will continue to deepen forward-looking research on international conventions and domestic implementation strategies, providing robust support for relevant decision-making”, said Zhang Yubo, Deputy Director of the China Maritime Service Center.

To promote the professionalization of arbitration, the MSA encourages maritime professionals to serve as arbitrators. It is researching and formulating the “Management Measures for Maritime Professionals Serving as Arbitrators” to support qualified maritime specialists in taking on arbitrator roles, tapping into their combined “maritime + arbitration” expertise. Currently, the MSA has recommended over 40 professionals with profound legal knowledge and rich maritime practical experience to serve as arbitrators in arbitration institutions.

                                                                                                                                           Source: China Transport News