Proposal

Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has established itself as

maritime leader in port development, privatization and
specialized cargo handling in India. It is also the first
maritime board of the country which was created up in
1982 with a vision "To enhance and harness ports and
international
trade
as
vehicles
for
economic
development.
With foresighted thinking and strategically located
longest coastline of 1600 kms, GMB charted a different
and unexplored route of port development in 1980s.
This was the era when major ports enjoyed monopoly
over sea freight, with very little or no port capacity with
state governments.
From meagre 3% in 1982-83, traffic at GMB ports have
consistently increased and now (2014-15) non major
ports of Gujarat handle about 32% of total national
traffic. During the same period, share of major ports
has decreased from 94% in 1982 to 55% in 2015,
whereas Gujarats share accounts for 71.5% of traffic
for non-major ports of India in 2014-15.
Over the next three decades, GMB institutionalized the
concept of integrated port-led development of its minor
ports, supported by last mile rail/road connectivity. This
was effectively implemented by bringing right private
partners through several pioneering models of
privatization such as privatizing port services, private
jetties, joint venture ports and Greenfield ports etc.

GMB has effectively implemented a unique business

model, which has shown the pathway to growth and
has successfully placed the non-major ports of Gujarat
as benchmark for other states to follow. Is that the
similar case as far as GMB litigation and profile.
Maritime lawyers have specific knowledge and
expertise in the field of maritime or admiralty law. This
is a distinct body of law that governs activities and
offenses that take place on navigable waters, including
oceans, rivers, streams and lakes. It also covers some
activities, such as loading or unloading ships, that take
place on land but are maritime in nature.
Maritime law can be particularly complex. While the
U.S. federal courts have original jurisdiction over
maritime cases, they do not have exclusive jurisdiction.
In other words, some cases, such as those related to
claims for personal injuries, cargo damage, maritime
products liability and boating accidents may be brought
in either federal or state courts. The appropriate way to
file a maritime case depends on a variety of factors,
including the nature of the case and whether or not it
involves negligence on the part of a ship-owner or
another party.
Maritime law also has a unique set of statutes of
limitations. For most maritime claims, the injured
parties or their families must file formal lawsuits in the
proper courts within a standard three-year period.
Cases involving cruise ships, such as cruise ship injuries
usually require written notice of claims within six

months and suit within one year in a court specifically

designated on the passenger ticket.
Because of the complexities involved in maritime cases,
it is important to consult with a qualified maritime
lawyer who has the knowledge and experience needed
to protect your rights. Thats where we are fulfilling the
needful role. Its not jut about dealing with Litigation
into Maritime Law but also involves diversified role of
negotiation and establishing full fledged market for
International Players to consider GMB due to the
facilitation panel if established to smooth and
effectively operate the functions. This is the established
method as far as JNU Port Mumbai as well as Chennai
Ports are concerned which has resulted into great
extend of the income due to preferred port treatment
due to facilitation and availability of Maritime Experts.
Maritime is such a subject wherein it is not just about
the common principles of Law; it is more of a practice
manual which is only been exercised totally by the
experts. Hence, need for the people who have actually
studied the Maritime Law is the at most need for Board
to prosper, modernize and break the stereo types of
Litigation. Under the circumstances, we are requesting
yourself to have a considered look at the profiles
annexed herewith to be considered to be empanelled
as Consultants to GMB.