Delocalisation of Maritime Dispute Resolution: Changes, Challenges and New Initiatives Affecting Access to Justice

Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and the global economy. Arbitration plays a significant role in resolving maritime disputes and in the development of transnational shipping law. In recent times, dispute resolution in the maritime field has largely been delocalized from the jurisdictions of the parties in dispute to places that have acquired a reputation as international arbitration centres. Unfortunately, these places happen to be few and far between even though shipping is a global industry and arbitration is well-recognized as a viable dispute resolution mechanism. Maritime arbitration centres that are well-known at present include those situated in London, New York, Singapore, Paris and Hong Kong. This chapter examines the past, present and prospects of delocalization of maritime dispute resolution and the impact of delocalization on the parties involved in shipping contracts