On October 28, 2011, Clive Aston, a member of the 9-person committee of London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA), accompanied by the Professor Lin Jiang, Assistant Director of Shipping Policy and Law Institute, a supporting affiliate to SISI, came to visit Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI).

Mr. Aston’s meeting with SISI staff began with Professor Zhen Hong (Secretary General of SISI)’s brief introduction of SISI. Mr. Aston then introduced some basics about LMAA as well. Founded in 1960, LMAA is not a standing organization but a civil and loose association of practicing maritime arbitrators, which is quite different from what outsiders may assume it to be. One of the main objects of the LMAA is: to advance and encourage the professional knowledge of London maritime arbitrators and, by recommendation and advice, to assist the expeditious procedure and disposal of disputes. Up till now, LMAA boasts 37 full-time arbitrators; only less than half of them have legal background, and the rest are made up by highly experienced industrial practitioners. Statistical returns from full members indicate that in 2010 approximately 3,346 appointments and 508 awards were made under the full LMAA Terms. This is well over the number of appointments and awards published in all other maritime arbitration centers in the world.

When it comes to discussion, Professor Zhen heads in raising issues of common interest to researchers at SISI. Questions like when will Shanghai be industrial players’ first choice in maritime arbitration or possibly rival with London in terms of maritime arbitration, what are the qualifications required to become a full-time member of LMAA, how does LMAA ensure the cross-border enforceability of its arbitrations, etc. aroused heated discussion between the two sides.

In closing, Professor Zhen proposed that LMAA and SISI may cooperate in holding lectures and conferences in the future. His proposal is well received by Mr. Aston, who is deeply impressed by SISI though this is his very first visit to the Institute. Both sides are convinced that the two institutions enjoy great prospect in future cooperation.