Wuhu case selected as Yangtze River Delta FTZ institutional innovation

By Wang Shining | wuhu.gov.cn

A judicial collaboration mechanism for maritime litigation services along the Yangtze River, pioneered in the Wuhu Area of the China (Anhui) Pilot Free Trade Zone, has been selected as an institutional innovation case by the Yangtze River Delta FTZ Alliance. The move marks Wuhu's progress in using the rule of law to safeguard Yangtze River shipping and advance integrated regional development.

The mechanism leverages Wuhu's position as a Yangtze River shipping hub to build a maritime judicial service system covering Anhui and extending to the river's lower reaches and coastal areas. The establishment of the Wuhu Tribunal of the Wuhan Maritime Court enables efficient handling of maritime disputes, improved diversified dispute resolution in vessel transactions and shipping finance, and an "at most one visit" trial model that continuously enhances litigation efficiency. The mechanism also strengthens coordination with maritime judicial institutions in the Yangtze River Delta through unified standards for case filing, service of process and expert evaluation, along with facilitation measures such as cross-regional filing and mutual dossier assistance that reduce the cost of rights protection for enterprises. To date, the Wuhu Tribunal has accepted over 2,000 cases with a total subject matter value exceeding 1.5 billion yuan, forming a demonstrative Wanjiang maritime judicial model.

The Wuhu Area of the China (Anhui) Pilot Free Trade Zone now has five cases selected as Yangtze River Delta FTZ institutional innovations. The area will continue to deepen institutional innovation, strengthen cross-regional coordination, and explore more replicable and promotable Wuhu experience in industrial chain synergy and rule alignment.