Report on the Judicial Work of the Nanjing Maritime Court

（From 2019 to 2024）

Nanjing Maritime Court of PRC

December 2024

Foreword

"The great river surges forward, and we observe the waves at the forefront." This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress deciding to establish the first batch of maritime courts, as well as the 5th anniversary of the Nanjing Maritime Court officially commencing operations. As the only newly established maritime court nationwide since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the only newly established specialized court in Jiangsu Province, the Nanjing Maritime Court has consistently adhered to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guiding principle. It has diligently studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, advancing from a high starting point with high standards to build a “first-class maritime court in China with international influence.” The Court has resolutely undertaken its responsibilities to support the construction of a maritime power and high-level opening-up, embarking on a new chapter in maritime adjudication in Jiangsu.

From 2019 to 2024, the young Nanjing Maritime Court has progressed from accepting its first ship sale and purchase contract dispute case to having three of its cases selected as part of the Top Ten Maritime Adjudication Cases nationwide. It has also had 20 cases in which foreign parties actively chose the court's jurisdiction. The Court issued its first bilingual (Chinese-English) "Maritime Adjudication Report," and its maritime adjudication work has been included three times in the Supreme People's Court’s work report. The Court’s experiences have been shared and promoted at the Sixth National Conference on Foreign-Related Commercial and Maritime Adjudication. From establishing the first one-stop dispute resolution center for water traffic accidents, to developing a multi-tiered dispute resolution system with linked and integrated centers, the "1+10" Maritime Judicial Cooperation Mechanism has been included as one of the "Influential Research Achievements in Maritime Adjudication on the 40th Anniversary" of maritime courts. Through these efforts, the Court’s staff have engaged in practical exploration, continuously advancing the development of Jiangsu’s maritime adjudication, and shaping a vibrant and beautiful picture of maritime justice in Jiangsu.

The establishment and development of the Nanjing Maritime Court have not only enriched the national maritime court system but also enhanced the judicial adjudication framework in Jiangsu. It reflects the comprehensive reforms in maritime adjudication and the judiciary within the province. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of China’s maritime adjudication, this report has been written to document and showcase the pioneering and innovative journey of the Nanjing Maritime Court. The aim is to further enhance public understanding of and supervision over the Court's work.

I. Mission-Born, Breaking Ground for Maritime Justice in Jiangsu

(1) Born to Fulfill Its Mission in a New Era

On December 6, 2019, Zhou Qiang, then Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Supreme People’s Court, and Lou Qinjian, then Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee, jointly inaugurated the Nanjing Maritime Court. They entrusted the Court with the goal of becoming a “first-class maritime court in China with international influence” and set forward key work requirements: “forward-looking service to overarching strategies, excellence in law enforcement and adjudication, systematic institutional construction, informatization of litigation services, and professionalization of personnel development.” The establishment of the Nanjing Maritime Court marked a significant milestone in the construction of China’s maritime adjudication system.

According to the Supreme People’s Court’s approval of jurisdictional areas and case acceptance, the Nanjing Maritime Court has jurisdiction over first-instance maritime and admiralty cases within:

l  The extended sea areas from the boundary between Jiangsu and Shandong Provinces to the boundary between Jiangsu and Shanghai;

l  The main and branch waterways of the Yangtze River from the boundary between Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces to the Liuhekou area in Jiangsu;

l  Ports and navigable waters within Jiangsu’s administrative region.

Currently, the Court has eight internal departments: the General Office (Judicial and Administrative Office), the Political Department (Supervision Office), the Filing Division (Litigation Service Center, Trial Supervision Division), the Maritime Adjudication Division, the Admiralty Adjudication Division, the Enforcement Bureau (Enforcement Command Center), the Judicial Police Detachment, and the Party Committee. Additionally, in line with the province’s maritime economic development layout and the port and shipping industries, the Court has established four branch courts in Lianyungang, Nantong, Taizhou, and Suzhou, forming a comprehensive maritime adjudication system with Jiangsu characteristics, covering rivers, lakes, and seas. 87.5% of the Court’s 40 judicial officers hold master’s or doctoral degrees.

As of December 4, 2024, the Nanjing Maritime Court had accepted a total of 14,275 cases and concluded 13,151 cases, with the total value of cases amounting to 21.187 billion yuan. Among these, 9,420 were maritime and admiralty cases, 423 were maritime administrative cases, 1 was a maritime criminal case, 2,854 were enforcement cases, and 1,510 were special maritime procedure cases. The top three case types by volume were:

l  1,579 cases of disputes over cargo transportation contracts in maritime and navigable waters;

l  1,529 cases of crew labor contract disputes;

l  1,199 cases of disputes over freight forwarding contracts in maritime and navigable waters. (See Figure 1)

Figure 1: Distribution of Case Types Accepted by the Nanjing Maritime Court from December 2019 to December 2024

(2) Gradual Expansion of Maritime Judicial Functions

Jiangsu is a leading province in maritime industries, shipbuilding, ports, and foreign trade. The rapid development of its maritime economy demands high-quality judicial support. Since its establishment, the Nanjing Maritime Court has seen a steady annual increase in the number and types of cases accepted, with a widening scope of adjudication. The number of new cases filed rose from 1,829 in 2020 to 2,270 in 2021, 2,920 in 2022, and 3,524 in 2023. By December 4, 2024, the Court had accepted 3,732 new cases that year, ranking second among China’s 11 maritime courts. (See Figure 2)

Figure 2: Statistics on Cases Accepted and Concluded by the Nanjing Maritime Court, 2020–2024

In accordance with the Provisions of the Supreme People's Court on the Scope of Cases Accepted by Maritime Courts, the Nanjing Maritime Court handles six major categories of first-instance cases encompassing 108 specific types. These include maritime tort disputes, maritime contract disputes, disputes over the development and environmental protection of marine and navigable waters, other maritime disputes, maritime administrative cases, and special maritime procedure cases.

Initially, the Court primarily dealt with disputes over maritime cargo transportation contracts, ship sale and purchase contracts, and crew labor contracts. As its jurisdiction expanded, the Court began handling new types of cases, including disputes over maritime liability limitation, compensation for ship oil pollution damage, multimodal transportation contracts, and applications for recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.

In December 2021, the Jiangsu High People’s Court issued the Notice on Further Clarifying the Jurisdiction of the Nanjing Maritime Court over Administrative Cases and the Notice on Further Clarifying the Jurisdiction of the Nanjing Maritime Court over Grand Canal Maritime and Admiralty Cases. These measures enhanced the Court’s role in standardizing maritime administrative enforcement and supporting the construction of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt.

In December 2023, with the approval of the Supreme People’s Court, the Jiangsu High People’s Court designated the Nanjing Maritime Court to handle maritime criminal cases, marking a significant step in the “three-in-one” pilot reform integrating criminal, civil, and administrative adjudication. In 2024, the Court concluded China’s first anti-foreign sanctions infringement case, earning recognition from the Supreme People’s Court and the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee.

(3) Increasingly Outstanding Judicial Achievements

Implementing a strategy for exemplary adjudication is a key measure for enhancing the quality and efficiency of maritime adjudication and strengthening judicial credibility. In April 2020, the Nanjing Maritime Court issued guidelines for developing exemplary cases, setting clear “Seven Ones” performance evaluation targets. Over the past five years, the Court has continuously explored and summarized adjudication experiences, producing a series of influential exemplary adjudication achievements. As of December 2024, 10 cases from the Court have been included in the People’s Court Case Database, 3 cases have been selected among the Top Ten Typical Maritime Adjudication Cases nationwide, and 1 trial session and 1 judgment have been recognized as part of the “Top 100 Exemplary Trial Sessions” and “Top 100 Exemplary Judgments” in the national court system.

In the area of research, the Nanjing Maritime Court launched Maritime Judicial Research in February 2020, providing a platform for judicial officers to showcase exemplary research achievements and exchange adjudication experiences. In January 2021, the Court established 10 specialized adjudication teams, including one focused on ship collisions, and issued corresponding work rules. Over the past five years, judicial officers of the Court have authored more than 280 articles, which have been published in leading journals such as Application of Law and World Shipping. The Court achieved comprehensive success at the 34th and 35th National Court Academic Discussion Conferences, winning first, second, and third prizes in various categories. Notably, as the only maritime court, it was awarded the Advanced Organization Award for its contributions to the 34th National Court Academic Discussion Conference.

II. Diligent Fulfillment of Duties to Serve National Strategic Goals

(1) Supporting the High-Quality Development of the Maritime Economy

Rule of law is an important guarantee for Chinese-style modernization. The Nanjing Maritime Court has always kept in mind the “major national priorities” and has resolutely followed the deployment of the Party and the state’s central work, ensuring that maritime judicial services are aligned with these priorities. At the start of its duties, to clarify the main tasks, key areas, work mechanisms, and institutional guarantees for maritime adjudication, the Court overcame the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and, based on research and visits, formulated the Opinions on Leveraging Maritime Judicial Functions to Provide Judicial Services and Support for Advancing the “Strong, Rich, Beautiful, and High” Development of Jiangsu. This high-standard, high-quality plan for advancing maritime adjudication was praised by the leadership of the Supreme People’s Court.

With the approval of the Jiangsu Coastal Area Development Plan (2021-2025) by the State Council, the construction of a strong maritime economy in Jiangsu has entered a new historical phase. Based on its maritime judicial functions and in alignment with the work deployments of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, the Nanjing Maritime Court proposed 18 service optimization measures targeting industries such as shipbuilding, marine engineering, ocean transportation, and shipping finance, actively responding to the social demand for maritime judicial services. Over the past five years, the Court has adjudicated 1,918 cases related to shipbuilding and marine engineering. In its first international shipbuilding contract dispute, the Norwegian shipowner voluntarily abandoned the agreed arbitration clause and chose to litigate in the Nanjing Maritime Court. The Court actively used online mediation methods, resolving the five-year-long dispute within 27 days, a case that was included in the 2020 National Maritime Adjudication Typical Cases. The Court also conducted research on the legal risks and dispute resolution methods related to shipbuilding performance issues for Jiangsu’s shipbuilding and marine engineering enterprises, compiling a bilingual (Chinese-English) Report on Judicial Services for Ship and Marine Engineering Equipment Industry Development and typical cases. This research summarized the characteristics of shipbuilding and marine engineering industry disputes and proposed corresponding judicial recommendations to support Jiangsu’s goal of building a world-class shipbuilding and marine engineering manufacturing cluster.

Jiangsu has an extensive water network and developed water transport system. The Nanjing Maritime Court has conscientiously implemented the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government’s major directives on accelerating the development of “Waterborne Jiangsu.” In addition to efficiently adjudicating cases involving port and channel dredging, and wharf construction, the Court collaborated with the Provincial Department of Transportation, Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration, and other entities to hold strategic cooperation meetings for “Waterborne Jiangsu,” releasing 15 action measures and publishing 11 collaborative case studies. These efforts have provided coordinated rule-of-law support for the development of the "Waterborne Jiangsu" initiative. In a case involving a maritime port and wharf lease dispute, the Court ordered the construction materials company to vacate the leased property by a certain deadline. During the enforcement process, the Court, in cooperation with local courts, facilitated the dismantling of outdated equipment such as gantry cranes and ensured the handover of a thousand-ton-level wharf for the construction of a new energy marine engineering equipment project with a planned investment of 5 billion yuan. The Court’s successful handling of this case was recommended by the Supreme People’s Court.

Rule of law is the best business environment. The Nanjing Maritime Court has consistently integrated the concept of “every case is part of the business environment” into maritime judicial practice. It has adjudicated 423 maritime administrative cases and sent 18 judicial recommendations to administrative agencies, significantly promoting standardized and orderly maritime management. The Court has published the Legal Risk Warning Handbook for Ship Management and Transport Businesses and the Seafarer Rights Risk Warning Handbook, and it releases bilingual (Chinese-English) Maritime Adjudication White Papers and typical cases every year. These publications help maritime stakeholders understand industry trends and mitigate legal risks. The Court has also carried out a special initiative to restore the credit of port and shipping enterprises. It has helped 25 eligible companies remove their dishonesty records, fostering a positive legal environment for honest and sustainable business practices. In November 2022, the Court successfully hosted the second Yangtze River Delta Maritime Judicial Forum. Together with the Shanghai, Ningbo, and Wuhan Maritime Courts, the Court established the Yangtze River Delta Maritime Enforcement Alliance, issued the Regulations on Judicial Management of Seized Ships, and created a ship custody list, which has improved the overall efficiency of maritime judicial enforcement in the region.

(2) Enhancing Foreign-Related Capabilities to Serve Higher-Level Opening-Up

Maritime adjudication serves as an important window for China’s judicial system in foreign-related matters. Over the past five years, the Nanjing Maritime Court has continuously improved its mechanisms for handling foreign-related maritime cases. It has issued the Procedural Rules for Serving Judicial Documents in Foreign-Related and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Cases and the Operating Guidelines for Ascertaining Foreign Laws (Trial). The Court has also piloted a centralized adjudication mechanism for foreign-related and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan cases, accurately applying governing laws to adjudicate 832 such cases involving parties from 58 countries and regions worldwide. Among these cases, 213 involved parties from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states, 427 were linked to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, and 11 were concluded under foreign laws. In a notable multimodal transportation contract dispute, the Court thoroughly investigated Mexican law to accurately determine liability for cargo damage. This case was included in the first batch of five exemplary cases on the ascertainment and application of foreign laws released by the Supreme People’s Court. The Court has also skillfully employed mediation, an example of “Eastern wisdom,” to resolve international disputes. In one case involving the enforcement of a London arbitral award between parties from Liberia and Hong Kong, the Court detained a foreign-flagged ship while facilitating mediation between the parties. This resulted in a settlement agreement for the enforcement of the award. Subsequently, both parties agreed to amend their jurisdiction clause, shifting future dispute resolution from London arbitration to litigation in the Nanjing Maritime Court.

Focusing on Jiangsu’s role as a pivotal hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, the Nanjing Maritime Court has introduced measures to support higher-level opening-up and released exemplary cases. It hosted the Belt and Road Rule of Law Development Think Tank Symposium and established the Belt and Road Judicial Service Alliance. Collaborating with the Jiangsu Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Court co-authored the Legal Risk Guidance Manual for Belt and Road Enterprises, which was used as a reference document at the China-Europe Railway International Cooperation Forum. These efforts have provided strong judicial support for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in Jiangsu. In a significant dispute between South Korea’s STO Chartering Company and Singapore’s Wilmar Company over a maritime cargo transportation contract, STO voluntarily opted to litigate in the Nanjing Maritime Court instead of pursuing international arbitration. The Singaporean party actively participated in the proceedings, and the Court successfully mediated a settlement within 43 days. This enabled the fully loaded oil tanker, which had been detained at the port for nearly two months, to safely unload its cargo and resume its voyage. The case was included in the 2022 Nationwide Exemplary Maritime Adjudication Cases.

In January 2022, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement officially came into effect, marking the launch of the world’s largest free trade zone in terms of population, trade volume, and development potential. To fully leverage maritime judicial functions in supporting RCEP’s implementation and help position Jiangsu as one of the most attractive and competitive global investment destinations, the Nanjing Maritime Court formulated judicial measures for ensuring the high-quality implementation of RCEP. It also released six exemplary cases involving RCEP member states, creating a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment. The Court’s experiences were promoted nationwide by the Supreme People’s Court. Focusing on the development of Jiangsu’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs), the Court established circuit courts in the Lianyungang, Suzhou, and Nanjing FTZs. It has adjudicated 278 maritime cases related to the FTZs, analyzing case characteristics and providing recommendations to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

(3) Strengthening Ocean Governance to Protect Marine Resources and the Ecological Environment

Protecting the marine ecological environment and safeguarding national ecological security are core missions of maritime judicial work. Over the past five years, the Nanjing Maritime Court has properly adjudicated 581 environmental protection cases involving sea area use rights and marine resource development. In maritime administrative adjudication, the Court has lawfully supported and supervised maritime administrative agencies in performing their duties. It has resolved more than 80 cases related to administrative enforcement and compensation under the “Returning Fisheries to Wetlands” initiative, resulting in the clearance of over 30,000 acres of wetlands. For 59 cases of illegal sea area occupation, the Court issued enforcement orders, achieving the clearance of nearly 4,500 acres of illegal aquaculture areas within just 10 days, significantly contributing to the improvement of the coastal environment. Additionally, the Court signed the Framework Agreement on Joint Protection of Marine Resources and the Ecological Environment in the East China Sea with the Shanghai, Ningbo, and Xiamen Maritime Courts, continuously enhancing judicial cooperation for protecting marine resources in the new era. In March 2023, the Court publicly heard Jiangsu’s first cross-provincial ecological restoration public interest litigation case, where defendants, who had repeatedly engaged in illegal fishing during the closed fishing season, were ordered to compensate for ecological damages through public labor. This transformed the offenders from “destroyers” into “guardians” of the environment. The case was included in the Nine Typical Cases of Public Interest Litigation for Marine Resource and Ecological Protection jointly released by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate. In March 2024, with approval from the Supreme People’s Court, the Nanjing Maritime Court publicly tried a maritime criminal case involving the illegal extraction and sale of sea sand. The Court convicted two defendants of illegal mining and ruled that the excess proceeds from the auction of the seized sea sand be allocated as ecological restoration funds to repair marine ecosystems. The case received commendation from the leadership of the Supreme People’s Court.

Strengthening ecological protection along the Yangtze River Basin is also a key responsibility of maritime adjudication. The Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River, known as the "Diamond Waterway," plays a critical role in the river’s navigation and economy. The Nanjing Maritime Court has conscientiously implemented the directive to "prioritize protection and avoid excessive development," adjudicating 3,206 cases related to the Yangtze River, including 49 cases involving shoreline restoration and ecological rehabilitation projects.In 2020, the Court held a demonstrative trial and successfully concluded an administrative lawsuit filed by Zhang and 13 others concerning the confiscation and dismantlement of 19 unlicensed vessels. This effort resolved administrative disputes substantively and significantly supported the zero-clearance campaign for "three-no" vessels (unregistered, unlicensed, uncertified), ensuring the safety of the Golden Waterway.In April 2021, the Court, together with the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Transportation and the Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration, released Nine Measures for Implementing the Yangtze River Protection Law and ten typical cases, creating a “Jiangsu Model” characterized by judicial and administrative collaboration. The Court’s practices for implementing the Yangtze River Protection Law have since been promoted nationwide by the Supreme People's Court.In a notable pre-litigation case involving the arrest of the Hong Kong-registered hazardous chemical vessel Gaocheng 5, the Court successfully coordinated a two-step relocation plan. This included transferring the ship's hazardous cargo from Jingjiang Port to a designated terminal in Changshu for unloading and tank cleaning, followed by anchorage at Taicang’s dangerous goods area. The plan maximally mitigated potential safety risks posed by the detained vessel to the Yangtze River. In 2024, in a ship oil pollution compensation case arising in the Yangtze River Basin, the Court ruled that both the leaking vessel responsible for the pollution and the other vessel fully liable for the collision must jointly bear the compensation costs. This decision upheld the claims of cleanup units, ensuring reimbursement of cleanup fees and fully safeguarding the ecological environment of the Yangtze River.

III. Staying True to the Mission to Address Diverse Judicial Needs

(1) Focusing on Industry Characteristics to Protect Livelihoods with a “Justice as if I Were the Litigant” Approach

Seafarers are the foundation and primary workforce driving the development of the shipping industry. Jiangsu, as a major province for seafarers, along with its extensive population of fishermen and related maritime workers, constitutes a significant maritime workforce. The Nanjing Maritime Court has focused on the professional characteristics of this maritime population, such as their remoteness from land, complex working environments, and high mobility, which create unique challenges in accessing judicial protection. Over the past five years, the Court has conducted 117 circuit court sessions at ports and aboard fishing vessels, adjudicating 1,688 livelihood-related cases, including those involving seafarer labor disputes and fishermen’s personal injury claims. The Court has also carried out special enforcement campaigns, such as “Safeguarding Livelihoods and Protecting Wages” and “Safeguarding Livelihoods on Rivers and Seas,” to fully protect the rights and interests of seafarers and fishermen. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cameroonian-registered vessel New Orion was detained at a temporary anchorage due to litigation against its shipowner. With 22 foreign crew members unable to disembark or change shifts due to pandemic restrictions, the Nanjing Maritime Court proactively coordinated with border control and foreign affairs authorities to facilitate crew changes, repatriation, and resupply of essential materials. This successfully mitigated potential international instability risks. A microfilm based on this case, titled North Star, won an award for Outstanding Microfilm at the Sixth “Peaceful China” Microfilm Contest.

Private shipbuilding enterprises are key drivers of the rapid development of the shipbuilding industry. In 2020, Nantong Tongde Company faced a series of shipbuilding-related debt disputes due to a financial crisis, with over 20 million yuan in outstanding debts subject to compulsory enforcement applications. The Nanjing Maritime Court implemented the principle of "good-faith and civilized enforcement," devising a comprehensive resolution plan that prioritized relief for claimants in livelihood-related cases, expedited enforcement of small claims, and mediated settlement agreements for larger claims. This approach not only protected the rights of creditors but also allowed the shipbuilding enterprise to avoid bankruptcy and overcome its financial difficulties. The case was included in the 2021 Nationwide Exemplary Maritime Adjudication Cases. In the transformation and upgrading of the marine economy, balancing and addressing the diverse interests of stakeholders requires both wisdom and responsibility. In 2023, during the enforcement of a sea area use rights dispute between Rudong County Changsha Town Tidal Flat Aquaculture Co., Ltd. (the applicant) and Gu Moumou (the respondent), the Court faced competing interests: the urgent need for land by a coastal renewable energy project and the pending harvest of shrimp by local fishermen. The Nanjing Maritime Court actively coordinated and facilitated a phased execution plan, allowing shrimp ponds to be cleared while the tidal flats were gradually handed over. This ensured the smooth progress of the major project while protecting the rights of fishermen, achieving a win-win outcome. The case was prominently featured on the front page of the People’s Court Daily during the 2024 National “Two Sessions” period as a model of achieving mutual benefit and multi-party gains.

(2) Enhancing Litigation Services with Smart Solutions for a Complex Maritime Jurisdiction

Efficient, convenient, intelligent, and precise litigation services are urgent judicial needs for maritime stakeholders. Since its establishment, the Nanjing Maritime Court has prioritized building a litigation service system tailored to the needs of maritime groups. It has formulated one-stop service standards and fully implemented services such as online case filing, cross-jurisdictional case filing, online fee payments, electronic delivery, online mediation, and remote hearings. Green channels have been set up for elderly individuals, disabled persons, seafarers, and fishermen. The Court’s project for creating an end-to-end “green channel” for resolving seafarer disputes was included in the 2024 Rule-of-Law-for-Public-Benefit initiatives by the Jiangsu Provincial Rule of Law Office.To address the complexities of cross-border litigation, the Court introduced bilingual services, publishing a cross-border case filing guide on its English website. It also innovatively employed online proxy certification to resolve the challenges of notarization and authentication for cross-border litigation authorizations. The Court improved its rules for electronic delivery procedures, optimized a system of “priority for electronic delivery with offline postal backup,” and advanced the construction of an electronic delivery address database. Its centralized delivery platform achieved an electronic delivery rate exceeding 80%.The Court has also enhanced regional maritime judicial collaboration by participating in the development of the Yangtze River Delta Integrated Maritime Litigation Service Mechanism, improving convenience and satisfaction for parties involved in maritime disputes across the region.In 2022, the Court launched the “Protecting Rivers and Seas” intelligent platform, which integrates functions such as online case filing, online mediation, remote hearings, mediator information searches, and case processing workflows. The platform effectively consolidates maritime dispute resolution resources across Jiangsu Province through a “single network and single screen” system. It has processed 258 cases online and won first prize in the second “Future Cup” Innovation Awards for Digital Courts in Jiangsu. Ship arrest, a specialized function of maritime courts, requires a high level of expertise and involves wide-ranging issues. In 2020, the Nanjing Maritime Court became the first in the country to develop a “point-to-point” ship enforcement and control system, integrating functions such as ship information searches, trajectory tracking, and enforcement progress monitoring. The system enables “one-click arrests” of ships across rivers, lakes, and seas. Since its launch, the system has facilitated the lawful detention of 871 ships, including 19 foreign-flagged vessels, reducing arrest times from several days to mere seconds.

While enhancing online services, the Nanjing Maritime Court has also accelerated the construction of physical litigation service facilities. As part of its “Grassroots Infrastructure” improvement initiative, the Court has advanced construction projects for its new courthouse in the Nanjing Rule of Law Park and its branch courts in Lianyungang, Nantong, Taizhou, and Suzhou. In November 2023, the structural framework of the Nanjing Rule of Law Park Courthouse was successfully completed. The Nantong Branch Courthouse and Lianyungang Branch Courthouse were opened in July 2020 and December 2023, respectively. Renovation of the Taizhou Branch Courthouse has also been completed. Once operational, these facilities will provide maritime stakeholders with more convenient and intelligent litigation services.

(3) Strengthening Integration for Multi-Channel Dispute Resolution

Jiangsu’s maritime jurisdiction is characterized by a vast geographic area, diverse types of maritime disputes, overlapping administrative functions, and a complex governance framework. The Nanjing Maritime Court has thoroughly analyzed the unique features of maritime disputes and the practical needs of shipping enterprises and maritime stakeholders, actively innovating to develop a new model of the “Fengqiao Experience” in the maritime domain for the new era. Adhering to the principles of “consultation, co-construction, co-governance, and shared benefits,” the Court has strengthened judicial and law enforcement collaboration with the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Transportation, the Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration, and other units. These efforts have expanded the previous “Four-Party Collaboration” model into the “1+10” framework. For four consecutive years, the Court has convened strategic collaboration promotion meetings to address maritime judicial and enforcement challenges collaboratively. Key achievements include:

l  Resolving ship arrest issues: Establishing a ship detention base in the Longtan Sanjiangkou sheltering waters in cooperation with the Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration, ensuring the safe centralized management of seized vessels.

l  Enhancing seafarer rights protection: Establishing "Seafarer Rights Protection Centers" in collaboration with the Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration and Lianyungang Maritime Safety Administration, with five satellite seafarer rights protection stations.

l  Managing significant maritime risks: Coordinating with maritime authorities to promptly develop salvage plans for sunken vessels such as the Jiangdong Cargo 558. These plans successfully mitigated the risks of fuel leakage and safeguarded the ecological environment of the Yangtze River’s finless porpoise habitats. The “1+10” Maritime Judicial and Administrative Enforcement Cooperation Mechanism was recognized as one of the "Most Influential Research Achievements of the 40th Anniversary of Maritime Adjudication."

The establishment of one-stop dispute resolution centers for waterborne traffic accidents is a hallmark achievement in the construction of a diversified maritime dispute resolution system. In June 2020, the first such center was launched aboard a patrol vessel of the Nanjing Maritime Safety Administration’s enforcement detachment. This center integrates the enforcement detachment’s functions of patrolling, navigation management, and accident investigation with judicial services, enabling prompt accident investigations and dispute resolution. Through collaboration with the Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administration, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Transportation, and the Lianyungang Maritime Safety Administration, these centers have been gradually replicated along the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal. Since their establishment, the centers have resolved 123 waterborne accident-related disputes in the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River. The initiative won first prize in the Excellent Research Achievements on Diversified Dispute Resolution and Litigation Service Systems with Chinese Characteristics and was included in China Maritime Adjudication (2018–2021). It was also recognized by the Ministry of Transport’s Maritime Safety Administration and the Yangtze River Shipping Administration as one of the "Top Ten National Maritime Service Cases for Seafarers" in 2022 and has been promoted nationwide. By the end of 2024, the Nanjing Maritime Court had established 49 diversified dispute resolution centers along the coasts, rivers, and the Grand Canal. The Court had also appointed 22 special mediation organizations and over 140 mediators, resolving more than 1,100 pre-litigation cases and helping parties recover approximately 160 million yuan in compensation. The grassroots contributions of mediator Qi Honggui were promoted nationwide by the Supreme People’s Court. The one-stop dispute resolution centers have been repeatedly commended by the leadership of the Supreme People’s Court, the Ministry of Transport, and the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and Government during their inspections.

Maritime arbitration is an integral part of the diversified dispute resolution mechanism in the maritime domain. The Nanjing Maritime Court has consistently upheld the dual principles of support and supervision to optimize the maritime arbitration environment. On the support side, the Court has rigorously implemented the New York Convention, recognizing and enforcing foreign arbitral awards. In a 2020 dispute over the validity of an arbitration clause in an international shipbuilding contract, the Court upheld the clause despite minor inaccuracies in the English name of the China Maritime Arbitration Commission. By prioritizing the parties’ true intentions, the Court ensured the clause’s validity, fostering a “pro-arbitration” judicial environment. This case was included in the Report on Jiangsu Courts’ Judicial Review of Commercial Arbitration (2019–2023). On the supervision side, the Court has promoted the integration of litigation, arbitration, and mediation. It signed cooperation framework agreements with the Shanghai Headquarters of the China Maritime Arbitration Commission and the Nanjing Arbitration Commission, creating a full-chain resolution framework where mediation takes precedence and arbitration or litigation serves as a fallback mechanism.

IV. Leading Reforms and Innovations to Create a Preferred Venue for Maritime Dispute Resolution

(1) Advancing Excellence Strategies to Enhance Judicial Credibility

As the youngest maritime court in the nation, the Nanjing Maritime Court has aimed for a high starting point and high standards in constructing a first-class maritime court. Based on extensive research, the Court formulated a five-year development plan in 2021, clearly defining the overall goals, primary tasks, and specific measures for the next five years, thereby creating a clear blueprint for its future development. Focusing on core areas such as adjudication and enforcement, team management, Party building, and judicial administration, the Court has successively introduced over 100 regulations to address institutional gaps. These measures have established a comprehensive and effective management system. The implementation of these regulations has not only standardized case-handling procedures but also optimized internal management models, achieving preliminary success in governing cases, powers, operations, and personnel through institutional mechanisms. These efforts have laid a solid foundation for the long-term development of the maritime court.

The Nanjing Maritime Court consistently views high-quality and efficient adjudication as a critical measure for evaluating the modernization of maritime judicial work. The Court remains committed to achieving first-class standards by establishing a full-process mechanism for cultivating exemplary cases. Through the meticulous handling of cases with significant implications and demonstrative effects, the Court continues to enhance the credibility of maritime justice. To strengthen professional support for maritime adjudication, the Court regularly convenes cross-departmental professional judges' meetings and special forums for discussing complex cases, ensuring consistency in judicial decisions. Internal oversight mechanisms have been improved through the establishment of the “Five Effective Steps” litigation management system and rules for case review by presidents and division heads. The Court has also clarified the work rules for the adjudication committee and professional judges' meetings, as well as the responsibilities and authority of judicial personnel. Reforms such as the maritime-specific supervision mechanism for court presidents and division heads have been included in the compilation of judicial reform cases by Jiangsu courts. External supervision mechanisms have also been enhanced. The Court routinely invites representatives from the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) to observe trials and provide guidance. It has also explored specific methods for specialized courts to report to the NPC and its standing committee. In 2022, the 32nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th Jiangsu Provincial People’s Congress conducted a special review of the province’s maritime adjudication work, offering high praise for the Court’s contributions.

(2) Promoting Legal Awareness to Expand Judicial Influence

President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of actively articulating China’s unique perspectives, principles, and successful practices in foreign-related rule of law, as well as telling the story of China’s legal development in the new era. The Nanjing Maritime Court has placed great importance on building its international communication capacity. It has established a Youth Maritime Adjudication Translation Team, composed of judicial officers with strong language skills. This team regularly undertakes tasks such as producing English recordings for the Voice of Maritime Law series, translating white papers, researching foreign laws, and compiling English maritime legal materials, thereby addressing the needs of professional and international maritime adjudication. The Court has engaged in academic exchanges, such as collaborating with Korea Maritime University to discuss “China’s Specialized Maritime Adjudication.” It has also sent six judicial officers to participate in the International Conference on the Beijing Convention on Judicial Sales of Ships, one officer to Hong Kong for an exchange program, and one officer to Germany for training. In addition, judicial officers have participated in the 2023 Global Coastal Forum and the China-Europe Railway International Cooperation Forum, delivering presentations. The Court hosted the Third Jiangsu Foreign-Related Legal Services Roundtable Conference, where it delivered a keynote report. The Court has utilized platforms such as its bilingual Chinese-English website and official WeChat account to promote China’s maritime judicial system and exemplary cases. It has produced 12 English episodes of the Voice of Maritime Law, which have been well received internationally. A total of 152 reports on the Court’s work have been featured in major media outlets such as the People’s Court Daily and Xinhua Daily. Two of its cases have been included in the Chinese Maritime and Commercial Law Reports, published by the UK-based informa UK Plc.

To advance research on the forefront of maritime judicial theory and practice, the Nanjing Maritime Court played an active role in establishing the Maritime Law Research Association under the Jiangsu Law Society in 2020. The Court has organized annual conferences of the association, creating a high-quality platform for academic research, professional exchange, and legal advocacy in Jiangsu’s maritime and admiralty law sectors. In 2024, the Nanjing Maritime Court hosted the 30th National Maritime Adjudication Symposium, focusing on topics such as the revision of the Special Maritime Procedure Law and the modernization of maritime adjudication to support major national strategies and practical needs. The Court also published research findings on the 40th anniversary of maritime adjudication in China. These findings were included as reference materials at the National Maritime Adjudication Work Symposium and were highly praised by the leadership of the Supreme People’s Court.

(3) Strengthening Talent Development to Drive Judicial Innovation

Talent cultivation is the foundation of advancing foreign-related rule of law. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made clear arrangements for fostering talent in foreign-related legal matters. Drawing on its characteristics as a newly established specialized court, the Nanjing Maritime Court has consistently prioritized political development. It has conducted thematic activities such as the rectification of political-legal teams, clearly defining the cultivation goal of developing multifaceted professionals proficient in law, foreign languages, maritime affairs, trade, and shipping. The Court has introduced and selected high-caliber talent through diverse channels, including civil service exams, targeted selection, and programs for recruiting top graduates from prestigious universities. Currently, 78% of the Court’s staff hold master’s degrees or higher, and nine have overseas study experience. The Court has implemented the “Maritime Law Elite” training program, signing agreements with seven universities to co-develop talent in foreign-related maritime law and establishing a collaborative innovation base for foreign-related rule of law talent with Dalian Maritime University. The Court has also established a Youth Research Talent Pool, formed specialized working groups for exemplary case development and white paper compilation, and regularly organized case-handling competitions and evaluations under its “Seven Ones” research assessment program. By combining on-the-job training, professional development programs, and theoretical discussions, the Court has cultivated high-level maritime adjudication professionals. As a result, the Court has produced one “National Judicial Expert” and one “National Court Case-Handling Role Model.” Two judicial officers were recommended by the Supreme People’s Court and the Jiangsu Provincial Government for selection as high-level foreign-related legal talent. Additionally, one collective unit and two individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to maritime adjudication by the Supreme People’s Court. In 2024, the Party Leadership Group of the Nanjing Maritime Court underwent its first inspection by the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee. The Court swiftly and effectively addressed the issues identified in the inspection feedback with high standards, providing a comprehensive political baptism for its cadre team and significantly enhancing its overall performance across all areas of work.

Conclusion

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made significant arrangements for improving systems and mechanisms to support high-level opening-up, promote the development of the marine economy, enhance systems for marine resource development and protection, and strengthen mechanisms for safeguarding maritime rights and interests. These measures have set new and higher requirements for maritime adjudication. Standing at a new historical starting point and bearing the mission of supporting and serving Chinese modernization, the Nanjing Maritime Court, forged through five years of tireless efforts, will continue to leverage Jiangsu’s locational, industrial, and latecomer advantages. With the vision and ambition of “connecting the grandeur of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers with the vastness of the Yellow Sea,” the Court will forge ahead with vigor and determination, driving the high-quality development of maritime adjudication. It will strive to contribute greater maritime judicial strength to the building of a strong maritime nation and the advancement of high-level opening-up.