“I am delighted to have been elected president of MLAANZ and that the members have also elected a talented and enthusiastic committee to support the Association’s goals,” Hunt said.

With over 500 members, MLAANZ is comprised of lawyers, judges, academics and representatives of major exporters, shipping companies, port operators, ship, cargo and liability insurers and other members of the maritime and insurance community.

“The key objective of the Association will be to continue to support local and international institutions in their efforts to better integrate international and domestic maritime and commercial law,” he said.

Members participate in a forum established to promote discussion and consideration of problems affecting maritime law. The Association organises seminars on issues of interest or concern to the community and “is focused on the unification of maritime customs, usages and practices and bringing about greater harmony in the shipping laws, regulations and practices of different nations,” Hunt said.