Society Of Maritime Arbitrators
An internationally recognized leading forum for the arbitration of maritime and commercial disputes
The December 2025 issue of
THE ARBITRATOR
has been published. You may retrieve it
by clicking on the following link:
THE ARBITRATOR - Volume 55, No.2 - December 2025
Luncheon Schedule
On June 10th, several members of the SMA's Offshore Committee Members attended a seminar at the New York City Bar Association on "Seabed Mining at a Crossroads: A Discourse on Current Legal and Policy Perspectives". Richard Corwin, Daniel Gianfalla (Governor), Steffen Pedersen (Member), and George Tsimis (Vice President) attended the seminar where several speakers presented on this trending issue, including Mahlet Mesfin, Ph.D., Former Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State, Ocean Fisheries and Polar Affairs, Angelina Fisher, Adjunct Professor of Law, NYU School of Law, Erik Van de Stouwe, Senior Oceans Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Oliver Wright, Partner, DLA Piper Law Firm. The speakers discussed the practicalities of seabed mining in the current geopolitical environment, and a discussion also took place, at the suggestion of the SMA members in attendance, of the significant implications for the U.S. shipping industry and its developing supply chain for the exploration and development of this deep-sea mining as authorized by recent U.S. legislation. At ICMA XXII in Singapore this past March, Steffen Pedersen presented his paper on U.S. seabed mining policy and opportunities for arbitrating related disputes. As Steffen noted in his ICMA paper and presentation, it is our objective and hope that any contracts for such projects by U.S. stakeholders will include SMA arbitration and/or mediation clauses to address any dispute resolution needs for expeditious, economical and fair results.
The Society of Maritime Arbitrators' (SMA) Annual General Meeting was held on May 13th at the 3 West Club, bringing together members for an engaging and productive afternoon. During the meeting, the President and SMA committee chairs presented their annual reports, highlighting the organization’s accomplishments, initiatives, and continued commitment to serving the membership and industry. Members enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect and network during a wonderful get-together. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful AGM. #Shippingindustry #maritimearbitration #arbitration #maritimeindustry
At the SMA April luncheon, it was our great pleasure to honor John F. Ring, Jr. with the second annual SMA Achievement Award. Jack, our longest-serving member, joined the SMA in 1970 and remains an active arbitrator.
Many industry colleagues and friends attended the event and shared the significant impact Jack has had on their careers. As one speaker noted, "Jack Ring is a legend in the industry and the SMA. We are proud to recognize his remarkable career path from Kings Point graduate to international ship broker and well-known arbitrator."
Thank you, Jack, for all you have done and continue to do for the SMA and the entire maritime industry.
The Society of Maritime Arbitrators (SMA) was proud to co-host our Annual Joint Luncheon with the Connecticut Maritime Association (CMA) on February 11 at 3 West Club. The event was exceptionally well attended and filled with energy, collegiality, and meaningful industry dialogue.
We were honored to welcome Carleen Lyden Walker as our featured speaker. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of the Maritime Accelerator for Resilience, Co-Author of Zero Point Four, and IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador, Carleen brought deep expertise and insight to her presentation, “Revitalizing the US Maritime Industry: Where we ARE and where we NEED to be.”
Her remarks offered a thoughtful assessment of the current state of the U.S. maritime industry and a forward-looking perspective on the investments, collaboration, and strategic focus required to strengthen and sustain our maritime leadership.
We extend our sincere thanks to our speaker, our CMA colleagues, and all who joined us for making this year’s luncheon such a memorable and successful gathering.
On January 14, 2026, the SMA held its first luncheon of 2026 at the midtown Manhattan offices of K&L Gates. SMA Member Mark Newcomb gave a presentation regarding "Arbitration and the Shipping Act: A Course Forward" and discussed the prospects of expanding the use of SMA arbitration in the container ship market in the U.S. The luncheon was attended by approximately 60 people and Mark's presentation sparked a lively discussion.
The next SMA luncheon will be held on February 11, 2026 at the 3 West Club and will be jointly sponsored by the SMA along with the Connecticut Maritime Association. The luncheon speaker will be Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Maritime Accelerator for Resistance, Co-Author Zero Point Four, and IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador. She will discuss “Revitalizing the US Maritime Industry: Where we ARE and where we NEED to be.
