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.