London Maritime Arbitrators Association elects new president

The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) has elected a new president.

David Steward, an independent arbitrator and mediator, succeeds Bruce Harris, who held the role for a year until LMAA’s annual general meeting on May 19.

Steward said he will consult widely with the LMAA committee and membership to determine its priorities during the next two years.

The change of president follows the appointment of James Clanchy, a former registrar and deputy director general of the London Court of International Arbitration, as new LMAA honorary secretary in March. Clanchy replaced Daniella Horton.

The LMAA has also issued revised terms and procedures for 2021, which took effect as of the beginning of May.

Meanwhile, at LMAA’s annual Spring seminar, which followed the AGM, Andrea Skeoch of North P&I Club, warned of a possible increase in the number of legal issues arising from the fallout of the COVID pandemic.

While “few of these have worked their way through the system yet to reach arbitration,” Skeoch noted, this could soon change. She highlighted the recent spike in the dry bulk market, which has caused delays and, potentially, considerable financial losses.

The main sources of dispute likely to arise from Covid include: refusal to call at port; crew changes; quarantine and crew illness; force majeure; and laytime, Skeoch said.
LMAA reported a record 1,775 new cases in 2020 while LMAA members, including supporting members, currently total over 800.

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