SC eyes maritime law tie-up with World Maritime University

The Supreme Court is exploring the possibility of launching joint training programs and academic partnerships with the World Maritime University (WMU) to modernize the country’s admiralty court system and raise judicial expertise in maritime law.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez recently led a high-level delegation to WMU in Malmö, Sweden, where they met with WMU President Professor Maximo Mejia Jr. and senior faculty members to discuss long-term collaboration in maritime legal education.

Filipino judges and legal professionals will be sent to WMU’s postgraduate and short-term programs. The Court is also eyeing the university’s technical support for digitalizing and improving the operational capacity of the country’s designated admiralty courts.

“These partnerships will help align our maritime judicial practices with international standards and improve access to justice in maritime-related disputes,” Gesmundo said.

Since issuing the Rules of Procedure for Admiralty Cases in 2019, the Supreme Court has designated several Regional Trial Courts as admiralty courts. However, Gesmundo emphasized the need for continuous training to keep pace with evolving legal challenges in the maritime sector.

During the discussions, WMU professors including Dr. Aref Fakhry and Dr. María Carolina Romero Lares highlighted the growing role of digital evidence, satellite data, and virtual hearings in enhancing the efficiency of maritime litigation. They also cited developments in global maritime arbitration and the use of alternative dispute resolution methods.

Founded by the International Maritime Organization, the WMU offers advanced academic programs in maritime law, governance, and policy—resources Gesmundo described as “invaluable” for countries like the Philippines with vast maritime territories and millions of seafarers.