This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Association’s predecessor — the Russian Maritime Law Society. Founded in Saint Petersburg in 1905, the Society subsequently joined the Comité Maritime International (CMI) and, by 1907, had already participated fully in the CMI conference in Venice as a representative of Russia.

Over several years, the Russian Maritime Law Association (RUMLA) has been engaged in an extensive effort to locate and collect archival materials about the Russian Maritime Law Society. Brief notes on the Society’s history were published in Issues 5/2021 and 3/2022 of the Maritime Law Journal.

As a result of a long, time-consuming, and costly research process, a unique body of previously unpublished, historical documents on the Russian Maritime Law Society was gathered. The Association extends its gratitude to Yulia Savrina and her colleagues for organizing the archival research, locating, and copying original documents from the State Archives, as well as to Ekaterina Tkachenko for her meticulous examination of the gathered materials, transcription of handwritten pages, and research efforts culminating in an article about the history of the Society — its establishment and activities during the first decades of the 20th century. The article offers an exceptional opportunity to examine rare archival materials, including meeting agendas, correspondence, internal notes, and most notably, the Society’s membership list as of 1913. These documents are being published for the first time in Russian historiography!

1.1. Announcement of the Jubileе (celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Russian Maritime Law Society)

In autumn 2025, the conference commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Russian Maritime Law Society will take place in the authentic setting of Wawelberg Hall, formerly the operational hall of the St. Petersburg Commercial Bank. This landmark event will bring together leading experts, lawyers, and academic professionals in the field of maritime law.

The conference will highlight the contributions of the Russian Maritime Law Society to the creation of a legal framework supporting the sustainable development of the maritime industry and strengthening Russia’s position in international relations. Participants will also discuss current issues related to maritime regulation, international cooperation, and the protection of marine resources.

A similar event took place in 2021, receiving widespread recognition among maritime law specialists. This autumn, however, an even more extensive celebration is anticipated, serving not only as a platform for professional dialogue but also as a solemn occasion commemorating the rich history of the Maritime Law Society. ■