Bulk & Metal Transport (UK) Llp v Voc Bulk Ultra Handymax Pool Llc [2009] EWHC 288 (Comm) (20 February 2009)

Bulk & Metal Transport (UK) Llp v Voc Bulk Ultra Handymax Pool Llc [2009] EWHC 288 (Comm) (20 February 2009)

The message of 2 November 2006, when read in context and applying a broad and flexible approach, constituted a notice requiring the appointment of an arbitrator under section 14(4) of the Arbitration Act 1996, thereby commencing arbitration proceedings. The Tribunal erred in adopting an unduly strict and technical approach.

Citation
[2009] EWHC 288 (Comm)
Parties
Appellant (charterers): Bulk & Metal Transport (UK) LLP; Respondent (owners): VOC Bulk Ultra Handymax Pool LLC
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
20 February 2009
Procedural Posture
Arbitration Appeal / Appeal From Interim Arbitral Award
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Commencement of Arbitration Proceedings, Section 14 Arbitration Act 1996, Time Bar Under Hague Rules, Interpretation of Arbitration Notices
Arbitration Commercial Law Shipping Commencement of Arbitration Proceedings Section 14 Arbitration Act 1996 Time Bar Under Hague Rules Interpretation of Arbitration Notices

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Parties

Bulk & Metal Transport (UK) LLP

Appellant (charterers)

VOC Bulk Ultra Handymax Pool LLC

Respondent (owners)

Procedural Posture

Arbitration Appeal / Appeal From Interim Arbitral Award

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the message of 2 November 2006 constituted sufficient notice to commence arbitration under section 14(4) of the Arbitration Act 1996
  2. 2 Whether Charterers are barred from relying upon their claims in defence of Owners' claims

Ratio Decidendi

The message of 2 November 2006, when read in context and applying a broad and flexible approach, constituted a notice requiring the appointment of an arbitrator under section 14(4) of the Arbitration Act 1996, thereby commencing arbitration proceedings. The Tribunal erred in adopting an unduly strict and technical approach.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • The appeal is allowed; the message of 2 November 2006 commenced arbitration under section 14(4) of the Arbitration Act 1996.
  • Charterers are not barred from relying upon their claims in defence of Owners' claims.