Context:

The government recently launched ‘SAROD-Ports’ (Society for Affordable Redressal of Disputes – Ports) through a virtual ceremony to sort out disputes in the Maritime Sector.

SAROD-Port

• SAROD-Port is a dispute redressal mechanism for all kinds of disputes related to the maritime sector.
• It consists of members from the
  • Indian Ports Association (IPA)
  • Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPTTA).
• SAROD-Ports have been established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with the objectives of affordable and timely resolution of disputes in a fair manner, Enrichment of Dispute Resolution Mechanism with the panel of technical experts as arbitrators.
• SAROD-Ports is similar to the provision available in the highway sector in the form of SARODRoads constituted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Functions of the SAROD-Ports

• It will advise and assist in the settlement of disputes through arbitrations in the maritime sector, including ports and shipping sector in Major Port Trusts, Non-major Ports, including private ports, jetties, terminals, and harbors.
• It will also cover disputes between granting authority and Licensee/Concessionaire/Contractor and also disputes between Licensee/Concessionaire and their contractors arising out of and during the course of execution of various contracts.