Spanish Maritime Law Association: 75 Anniversary Conference

Under the title “Navegando Juntos” (“Sailing Together”) the Spanish Maritime Law Association held on 29, 30 and 31 May a very special conference on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary.

Said Congress was officially opened by Mr. Gustavo Santana, General Director of the Merchant Marine (DGMM). Director of the Merchant Navy and by Mr. Alvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of the State Ports.

It began with an emotional tribute to the presidents and secretaries of the association throughout its history that was attended by their relatives.

The Conference continued with a very entertaining conference by the writer Andrés Trapiello.

The Conference  took place in the form of six round tables.

First panel focused on the legal regime of the maritime transport contract under debate on the occasion of the centenary of the Hague Rules. Second panel dealt with the international legal perspectives of the ports of the future. Third panel analysed the current issues of claims settlement and recovery actions in the field of marine insurance. In a very agile and entertaining way, the young section of the   Spanish Maritime Law Association gave a brilliant  presentation on the legal implications of the Baltimore accident.

Fifth panel took advantage of the tenth anniversary of the Spanish Shipping to analyse its current state and ended the Conference with a sixth table dedicated to the system of international law in maritime fisheries.

After the words of gratitude to the attendees, sponsors and supporters by Mr. Carlos López-Quiroga, President of the Spanish Maritime Law Association. The Congress was closed by the Secretary General of Air and Maritime Transport, Mr. Benito Núñez.

The celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Spanish Maritime Law Association ended with a gala dinner. Mr. Victor Jiménez, president of the IMO Council attended the dinner giving his warm words of congratulation to the Spanish Maritime Law Association on its anniversary.

As part of the social program, the attendees were invited to a guided tour of the Naval Museum, as part of the agreement that the Spanish Maritime Law Association has with the Spanish Navy.

During the Conference it was announced that the Spanish Maritime Law Association would be awarding for an article an extraordinary prize called the “75th Anniversary AEDM Maritime Law Prize” with the aim of continuing to support and encourage innovative and quality legal studies on the different subjects that make up maritime law.

This successful Conference was attended by more than 150 participants on-site and remotely and had the support of many sponsors and the collaboration of important institutions.

Left to right:

Cristina Portuondo, Esther Zarza, Alicia Montañés, Carlos Salinas, Mercedes Duch, Benito Núñez, Javier Portales, Sara Recatalá, Eduardo Albors, Mercedes Pardo, Pepa Cermeño.