On the afternoon of May 26, 2023, a symposium on amending the Maritime Code took place at Guangzhou Maritime Court (GZMC). The symposium was chaired by Prof. Chu Beiping, Vice President of Dalian Maritime University and head of the project group for amending the Maritime Code under China's Ministry of Transport. Nearly 30 experts and scholars attended the event, including senior judges from the 4th Civil Tribunal of Guangzhou Higher People’s Court and GZMC, experts and scholars from universities in Guangzhou, port and shipping companies in Guangdong, PICC Guangdong Branch, and maritime lawyers in Guangzhou.

At the symposium, Mr. Chu expressed his gratitude to the attendees for their presence and gave a brief report on the progress and focal points of the amendment of the Maritime Code. The project group and the guests discussed three topics in line with the agenda, including mandatory provisions of Chapter IV of the Maritime Code, limitation of liability for port operators, and the duty of disclosure of the insured under marine insurance contracts. Mr. Chu talked about the amendment plan and reasons for the amendment, and the guests offered their opinions and suggestions from their perspectives as to judicial practice, legislative purpose, the rationality of the amendment plan, expression of provisions, and layout.

The Maritime Code has been in operation for 30 years and has played a positive role in promoting the development of the shipping industry. The amendment of the law, which has been in progress for the recent few years, is based on realities and existing problems. Experts and scholars from various sectors have conducted in-depth discussions on the amendment plan and expressed their suggestions and expectations.