Upcoming Events

Monthly Luncheons 2016 - 2017

Next Luncheon
Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Speaker
John Keough
Partner, Clyde & Co.

Topic
"The OW Bunker Litigation: Legal Developments and the Potential Impact on Owners, Charterers and New York Arbitration

The next Open luncheon will take place on Wednesday, November 9.

Our Mission

The Society of Maritime Arbitrators is a professional non-profit organization that has achieved international recognition as a leading forum for the arbitration of maritime and commercial disputes. Its mission is to promulgate arbitration, mediation, and to establish commercially effective legal procedures for Alternative Dispute Resolution. The SMA trains and provides the maritime industry with experienced commercial professionals who resolve disputes in an impartial, timely and cost-efficient manner.

Special Notices

The April 2016 issue of The Arbitrator has been published

Bill Juska of Freehill, Hogan & Maher spoke on the status of Iran Sanctions and Their Impact on the Maritime Industry at the November 11, 2015 luncheon. The thoughtful program included a historical perspective on sanctions on Iran as well as a detailed breakdown of the nuclear agreement reached this past summer and its prospective implementation.

The SMA thanks Bill for his fascinating presentation and for allowing it to be included on the SMA website.

Click here for presentation in PDF or Streaming Video

On August 25, 2015, NYMAR (New York Maritime, Inc.) released the first in a series of articles demonstrating the strength and unique characteristics of New York as a preeminent maritime center. The first article, "Where Arbitration Began: Maritime Arbitration in New York" ( PDF | HTML ), under the authorship of NYMAR Chairman, Clay Maitland, identifies New York as the first global center of arbitration, and dates back to 1656.

On February 11th at the monthly SMA luncheon, Michael G. Chalos, Partner K&L Gates, LLP presented his talk: The New MARPOL ANNEX VI Regulations, Requirements and Issues. The SMA thanks Mr. Chalos for his engaging and informative presentation, and for allowing it to be posted on the SMA site.

Click here for presentation in PDF format.

On October 8th at the monthly Luncheon of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators, Leo G. Kailas a partner at Reitler Kailas & Rosenblatt LLC presented his talk Charter party Agreements: Issues Related to Ebola Epidemic, which addressed issues regarding what measures can be taken to protect the vessel and crew, the implications for cargo if a port is closed or quarantined, who pays for delays, a review of the BIMCO Gentime charter and Exxon's charter party, along with two suggested Ebola Clause to consider for the Charter party contract.

Click here for presentation in PDF or Streaming Video