A one-stop maritime dispute resolution center established by the Fuzhou Maritime Affairs Bureau and Xiamen Maritime Court has settled disputes involving more than 107 million yuan ($15.85 million) in its first year.

The center, launched on July 28, 2025, is an integrated platform that brings together maritime regulators, courts, industry experts, and related organizations to handle disputes involving shipping, fishing, and labor.

Under the newly introduced procedures, the center allows cases to be transferred between administrative and judicial bodies, with evidence shared to reduce repeated investigations. A mediation team comprising maritime investigators, judges, shipping experts, insurance advisers, and industry representatives provides professional support for different types of cases.

The center also operates online mediation services, allowing crew members at sea and companies in other locations to negotiate, submit documents, and apply for judicial confirmation remotely. Legal consultations, mediation, and judicial confirmation can be completed through a single application, with confirmed agreements carrying enforcement power.

For urgent cases involving crew injuries, labor disputes, or conflicts between fishing and commercial vessels, the center facilitates early compensation and tailored solutions. It also intervenes in major maritime projects to manage potential risks.

Beyond resolving existing disputes, the center conducts legal outreach programs at ports, on vessels, and in companies to promote knowledge of navigation safety, compensation rules, and seafarers' rights.