Section 257
Adjudication of disputes between ship owner and salvor.
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
About this Act
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India's obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(1) Either party to the salvage contract shall prefer an arbitration for a dispute that is not resolved by the Director-General under section 256:
Provided that where the salvage contract does not provide for the resolution of disputes by arbitration, the disputes shall be adjudicated in accordance with the salvage contract.
(2) Any person aggrieved by the arbitral award may appeal to the concerned High Court in accordance with the applicable law.
(3) Any dispute involving more than one claimant to the salvage amount shall be decided by the High Court.
(4) The High Court may, by interim order, direct that the salvor shall be paid such amount as may appear to it to be fair and just.
Provided that where the salvage contract does not provide for the resolution of disputes by arbitration, the disputes shall be adjudicated in accordance with the salvage contract.
(2) Any person aggrieved by the arbitral award may appeal to the concerned High Court in accordance with the applicable law.
(3) Any dispute involving more than one claimant to the salvage amount shall be decided by the High Court.
(4) The High Court may, by interim order, direct that the salvor shall be paid such amount as may appear to it to be fair and just.