Summary

The two applications before me are about alleged serious procedural irregularity in relation to pleadings in two related arbitrations. By Claim Forms dated 5 June 2025, the Claimants ("Charterers", or "CIN"), challenge two awards ("the Awards") made in favour of the Defendants ("Owners", or "Grimaldi"). The challenge is made under section 68(2)(a) of the Arbitration Act 1996 ("the 1996 Act") and I will refer to that subsection using the shorthand "section 68", below. The Awards were made in two LMAA arbitrations ("the Arbitrations"), and the same tribunal (Simon Gault, Ben Goss and Clive Aston) was appointed in each (the "Tribunal"). The Arbitrations were dealt with concurrently, with the trials held between 10-21 June 2024, and 9-11 October 2024.