What is the International Maritime Law Seminar?

The International Maritime Law Seminar (“IMLS”) is an annual event conducted in the City of London that provides the maritime industry with an in-depth, professional analysis and discussion of the legal topics that are currently critical to shipowners, charterers, marine insurance, hull and P & I, brokers, and maritime lawyers around the world.

The IMLS was started in 2006 under the sponsorship of Luis de San Simon of Spain, Ricardo Rozas of Chile, and Vincent M. DeOrchis of the United States. Since then, the organization has expanded to leading law firms from 14 separate countries, on five continents, that are dedicated to providing cost free exchange of ideas and discussions of the legal issues impacting international transportation today. The goal of the IMLS is to provide a forum where industry professionals can obtain and discuss the latest views on international maritime law which is presented under the moderation of representatives from the International Group and other major players in the marine world.

In 2018, the IMLS expanded its activities to launch a similar forum in Singapore in recognition of the shipping activity in that part of the world.

The speakers from the sponsoring firms are recognized leaders in the maritime legal industry, and are open to questions after their presentations. The IMLS is dedicated to providing a ‘first-class’ curriculum, and past topics have included subjects ranging from termination and enforcement of maritime contracts, to the proper way to handle mass casualties, the arrest of vessels, pollution laws, and product liability claims. Past presentations are archived on this website, as are the biographies of the speakers should they need to be consulted. CPD credit may be available for those attending the event in London.

Each of our events is followed by a cocktail party where we encourage the maritime community to greet and network with one another. In the past, the IMLS has also sent out a newsletter regarding significant developments in the maritime law so as to keep our participants up-to-date. We welcome suggestions at any time from the public to improve our platform.