2020 Mock Arbitrations

HKMAG Member Jagmeet Makkar has written the following report of the 2020 Mock Arbitrations held on 20 November 2020:

Continuing the success of the Hong Kong Maritime Week2019 and 2018 Mock Arbitrations, CMAC Hong Kong jointly with the Department of Justice, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators East Asia Branch, Hong Kong Maritime Law Association, Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators and Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group organized the Hong Kong Maritime Week2020: Mock Arbitrations (the “event”). Unfortunately, due to the prevailing pandemic, as a precaution, the Hong Kong Maritime Week2020 was cancelled. However, the Mock Arbitrations went ahead successfully, albeit with an innovative hybrid format with part of the tribunal as well as a large number of participants joining the event virtually. The event was held at the Multi-purpose Function Hall at Justice Place, Department of Justice of Hong Kong SAR from 14:30 hrs. to 17:30 hrs. on Friday, 20 November 2020.

The event was supported by a number of organisations such as China Institute of Navigation, Hong Kong Shipowners Association, DMET-MERI Alumni Association Hong Kong, Dalian Maritime University Hong Kong & Macau Alumni Association and the Hong Kong Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

The event featured mock arbitrations hearing sessions with the aim of showcasing typical procedures adopted in maritime arbitrations, such as seeking security for costs and dealing with substantive matters of facts and law. The event aimed to familiarise stakeholders in the maritime industry with the common practice adopted during maritime arbitration proceedings. Both the arbitrations revolved around the all-important issues of crew in these times of pandemic, highlighting the legal and commercial aspects. The case synopsis for the procedural and substantive matters are given in the flyer for the event, copy attached.

We hope this very useful event continues to be a part of every Hong Kong Maritime Week, additionally brining in more diversity and inclusion in the role plays.

Mock Arbitrations in progress