Objectives and Functions

The objectives of MIMAC flow directly from its vision and founding values and they are structured to ensure that MIMAC fulfills its mandate with clarity, purpose and consistency.

The first and most immediate objective of MIMAC is to facilitate the efficient, fair and final resolution of maritime, logistics and trade-related disputes through arbitration, mediation and hybrid mechanisms such as Arb-Med-Arb. This is to be achieved by administering proceedings under robust institutional rules that are rooted in international standards yet tailored to Indian realities.

Secondly, MIMAC seeks to establish and institutionalize India as a credible seat for international maritime arbitration. It aims to build India’s reputation as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction underpinned by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (as amended), and to foster confidence among international parties to choose India not only for business but also for legal certainty.

A further key objective is to promote and support specialized dispute resolution across maritime & international trade sub-sectors. This includes developing sector-specific procedural frameworks for commodity sales, demurrage claims, ship financing, bunker quality disputes, offshore infrastructure contracts, crew injury claims and port operations. MIMAC is committed to tailoring its approach to suit the complexities and nuances of each maritime industry segment.

MIMAC also aims to reduce litigation backlog and promote dispute decongestion in India’s overburdened courts by offering a credible, enforceable alternative that is recognized under the New York Convention and the Indian legal framework.

Another vital objective is to develop institutional capacity for arbitrator training, accreditation and diversity. MIMAC will create platforms for the development of young maritime arbitrators (with 5+ years of PQE), mid-level experts (10+ years) and senior professionals (25+ years), across India and abroad. Gender, regional and experiential diversity will be actively promoted in arbitrator appointments and leadership bodies.

MIMAC also aims to lead the transformation of arbitration through innovation, not just adopting global trends but setting new benchmarks. This includes integration of smart dispute tools, virtual case management, online award tracking and secure AI tools for bundle collation, all while remaining environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient.

Through publication of redacted awards, issue of technical briefs, training programs and annual reviews, MIMAC will contribute to the growth of a robust, transparent and globally respected maritime jurisprudence rooted in Indian soil but internationally accepted.